Air pollution: What traffic restrictions are in place on February 16?
This page is translated from the original post "Pollution atmosphérique : quelles restrictions de circulation ce 16 février ?" in French.
- 15/02/2023 21:00
Ongoing for several days, the fine particle pollution episode has led to speed reductions, or even bans on certain vehicles like in Lyon.
UPDATE 15/02/2023: without any changes in weather conditions, pollution continues across France. About fifteen cities are still on alert for high levels of fine particles. The measures below will therefore remain in effect on February 15 and 16. Additionally, the circulation of Crit’Air 4 stamps is prohibited in Marseille. Now affected, the Cher department is implementing a 20 km/h speed reduction on dual carriageways.
February 14th is Valentine’s Day. But this year, 2023, it’s a breakup between air quality and our lungs. Indeed, atmospheric pollution has been affecting France, especially several large cities, for the past few days.
The culprit is unfavorable weather conditions, with a lack of wind and local fine particulate emissions trapped at ground level. Emissions from building and home heating, as well as from vehicles, contribute to this. Many urban areas have thus implemented bans on the most polluting cars.
In Lyon, Crit’Air 4 is out
Most measures are occurring in southern France. The most significant is in Lyon, where the metropolitan area has intensified the ZFE system already in place. The Low Emission Zone, which bans Crit’Air 5 and 4 vehicles since September 1, 2022, temporarily excludes Crit’Air 3 until this Tuesday. A preview of 2024, when the Lyon ZFE will enforce such bans permanently.
In Paris, Marseille, or Bordeaux, speed limits reduced
In Bouches-du-Rhône, there is no strengthening of the Marseille ZFE. But, similar to Gironde, Var, Alpes-Maritimes, or Île-de-France, the department has lowered the maximum speed by 20 km/h:
- 110 km/h on highways;
- 90 km/h on main roads;
- 70 km/h on smaller roads.
Law enforcement, just like in Lyon and in the affected departments, will strengthen anti-pollution and speed controls on Tuesday, February 14.
Also read: ZFE Montpellier: which cars are prohibited? What is the schedule?
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