Originally from Moutiers (73), the Les Républicains de la Savoie MP knows all the issues in his territory well. A fervent defender of the Mountain Law, Vincent Rolland is annoyed that the decree implementing the sanctions accompanying this measure has still not been published. He calls on the government to react quickly.
Member of Parliament for Savoie since 2017 after serving as municipal and departmental councilor, Vincent Rolland has been involved in political life for almost 30 years. ©VincentRolland
Le Journal du Pneumatique: As a Savoyard and great mountain connoisseur, what does a mountain law without verbalization inspire you?
Vincent Rolland : That saddens me! Because it is a system which was voted on in 2016 and which came into force in 2021. In terms of sanctions, many years have passed and nothing has changed. From where I am, all this seems incomprehensible to me. This is a sign of the impotence of the State, which embarrasses me greatly because I want the State to be strong and apply the laws of the Republic.
JDP: The time for pedagogy has now passed for you? Did you understand this choice of the government during the first years?
V.R. : As long as we give one year for the system to be put into operation, so that everyone can take ownership of it and there are communications made on the subject, why not. But so many years of teaching resemble a form of renunciation which seems unacceptable to me.
“A questioning of the state's word“
JDP: On the ground, do the police feel helpless?
V.R. : During the winter, checking motorists caught lacking equipment is their daily routine. They do what they can with what they have. But it's quite unpleasant to say that it's obligatory while not being able to do anything. This is not the speech that law enforcement expects from the state.
JDP: Behind the Mountain law, there is above all a road safety issue…
V.R. : Motorists traveling to stations in difficult traffic conditions remain a problem. This can lead to blocking of the roads, but ultimately, it is a lesser evil. But it can also cause very serious accidents.
Today, communication on this subject is minimal. However, even though we raise public awareness about the fact that people should not drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, that does not stop people from doing it. It’s the same for the Mountain law. Without the repressive aspect, communication is not sufficient. And then, once a law is passed, why wouldn't it be applied? It's annoying. It is a questioning of the word of the State.
Also read : Mountain Law: former MP Joël Giraud calls for sanctions to be applied
JDP: Is the government cautious on this subject? Does he fear hostile reactions?
V.R. : I don't know. We were told at the beginning that we feared a new “yellow vest” episode in the face of this obligation. However, if there were to be one tomorrow, I don't think it would be the result of the Mountain law. Especially since today, a large number of motorists are aware of this measure and are equipped. I wrote to the Minister of the Interior a few weeks ago, I will see what he responds to me…
“I am determined and I will not give up“
JDP: Do you believe that the decree could be published this winter?
V.R. : This is my wish… There are several mountain deputies, whose areas are affected by this obligation, to be connected. Once again, this law must be applied, because it is a security issue. It helps limit the risk of congestion on land routes by unequipped motorists.
JDP: Are you optimistic or do you think this topic will still take time?
V.R. : I am determined and I will not give up.
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