Tobacconists covered speed cameras with plastic bags to protest legislation requiring plain packaging for cigarettes that is scheduled for a Senate vote on 22 July, France 24 reported.

Protests held in various parts of the country preceded a 10-nation conference in Paris hosted by Health Minister Marisol Touraine on combating tobacco, the international television news service said on its website. France intends to cut tobacco consumption by 10 per cent over five years with the package that includes uniform standards for cigarette branding and packaging. Plain packs would be mandated from May, 2016. The lower house of parliament approved the proposed law on 3 April.