In Carros, food trucks have their place. A place at the entrance to the town, at the crossroads located at the exit of the Manda bridge, for eight of them. And in the city center for the other five.
If their presence is an assumed choice, the location of “those at the bottom” of the city is not what Yannick Bernard, the mayor of Carros, would have hoped for.
“This was decided without consultation, under the former municipalityhe regrets. An investment of 180,000 euros was made to install the energy service for each station.” In fact, a side road has been created to allow vehicles to park and parking spaces are available all along the road.
“It is true that it is a complicated area, grants the mayor. Fortunately, we have not had any traffic accidents to date.”
He pursues: “When there are cars parked, it’s not a problem, but when heavy goods vehicles stop, it can quickly create tension in the area.”
“I am not satisfied with this entrance to the city”
To ensure everyone’s safety, the chief magistrate wanted to make some improvements such as speed bumps, a protected passage and a parking area in the Tourre park.
But that is not enough. “I am not satisfied with this entrance to the city which is a food truck zonehe confides. There were other options such as the La Grave activity zone or on the other side of La Tourre park.”
His desire: to move the food trucks in consultation with those who run them.
“It is mainly the employees of the industrial zone who come at lunchtime, explains the mayor. It would be entirely possible to install the food trucks at the other end of the area.”
But nothing has been committed yet, everything is still at the reflection stage. “Carros is one of the only municipalities to have this type of merchant and they are aware of it.”
“A varied and quality offering”
The food trucks, handpicked according to the quality of their offer and their seriousness, have a one-year installation right, renewable each year.
“We have chosen to offer a complementary offer with West Indian and Italian specialties, a rotisserie, a pizzeria or even a snack bar, explains Ludovic Othman, the City’s Deputy for Commerce. We want a varied and quality offering.”
As soon as a place becomes available, the City does not fail to communicate it by publishing on its website and on its social networks. Because there are more requests than places and a small waiting list has built up over time.
“Food trucks are also associated with City events, which then allows them to expand their clientele”adds Ludovic Othman.
“La Manda is one of the densest nodes in terms of traffic, insists Yannick Bernard. It’s a real high-stakes area and an entrance to the city, it’s important.”
