Driving speed limits lowered in Paris amid pollution spike
City sees fine-particle pollution exceed normal levels
Several areas of northern Franec have seen pollution levels increase in recent days
Davit Khutsishvili/Shutterstock
Drivers in Paris are facing temporary reductions in the speed limit today (March 5) as high levels of fine-particle pollution impact the city and surrounding area.
A decree from the prefect of police requires drivers to lower their speed limit by 10 km/h to 20 km/h on major roads.
The rules are in place until midnight, and may be continued further into the week until the situation improves.
Motorways with a top speed of 130 km/h will be reduced to 110 km/h, those of 110 km/h to 90 km/h, and those usually at 90 km/h to 70 km/h or 80 km/h.
Interactive road signs will inform drivers of the stretch of road they are driving on.
There is also a temporary ban on using individual wood heaters (chauffage individuel au bois) during the period, to limit the spread of pollution.
In addition, a total ban on burning green waste (déchets verts) is in place, overriding certain exemptions that may be in place.
You can read the full police announcement below.
Similar warnings over high pollution levels have been put in place over the Normandy region in recent days.
Read more: Alerts over high pollution in Normandy and Paris
How long will it last?
The decree states that these measures will be imposed between 05:30 and midnight until the situation improves.
The Airparif website gives an indication of pollution levels in and around the capital, and will be used to assess whether the changes are to remain.
“The formation and accumulation of particles will be encouraged by the presence of stable, dry weather,” the website says.
Current forecasts expect conditions in Paris to remain this way until at least Friday (March 7).
Read more: Sunny days then storm: French weekly weather outlook March 3 - 7
The fine-particle pollution are around 7 µg/m³ above the accepted levels.
Alongside the diving reduction, measures should be taken to avoid coming into extended contact with the polluting particles.
This is particularly the case for those with underlying health issues (cardiovascular or respiratory), the elderly, pregnant women, and those with young children.
It is recommended to avoid travelling very early or very late at night and to refrain from intense physical exercise outdoors during the pollution spike.
People should also avoid using irritants such as deodorant and cleaning products indoors.
Further health advice is available via the regional health authority website.
