A residents' group in New Caledonia has again called on the French authorities to ensure that travellers in the St Louis area are safe.
Photo: RNZ
This comes after a further closure of the main road to the territory's south because of gunfire directed at passing vehicles.
In the latest incident, unidentified gunmen hit several cars but caused no injuries.
Reports saidrmoured police vehicles sent to the area were also shot at.
The residents' group saidts members we upset at the frequent road closures which mean that people are being taken hostage.
In several areas of Noumea, there is concern about crime.
The St Louis area has seen a sharp increase in violence in October when police shot dead a prison escapee, sparking weeks of intermittent clashes.
