Overview
- The Toulouse liberties and detention judge ordered an immediate halt to activity outside the authorized environmental footprint on identified A69 sites, building on earlier prefectural orders targeting those parcels.
- The decision compels Atosca to vacate the zones within four days and complete compensation measures within 30 days under a daily €20,000 penalty, with the French Biodiversity Office assigned to monitor execution.
- Atosca said it will comply and characterized the overreach as temporary at the route’s edges, while mainline construction continues under a December 30 administrative court authorization.
- Prosecutors described a serious breach of environmental public order and cited several dozen hectares affected, while opponents claim at least 51 hectares, roughly 10–12% of the project area.
- Transport minister Philippe Tabarot said works continue on authorized land with most structures and earthworks completed, and opponents signaled further legal action including a cassation appeal.