Paris polluted
You can only just see the world’s greatest tourism asset, you can only drive if you have the right index plate BUT public transport is free
Unusually warm weather in Paris left a layer of dangerous, sickening smog hanging over the city, forcing officials to offer free transport for three days.
French environmental agencies said the Paris air quality has been among the worst on record. Smog has also affected Belgium to the northeast, forcing officials to reduce speed limits on main roads and offer free public travel as well.
Cars with even-numbered license plates are prohibited from driving in Paris and its suburbs Monday, following a government decision over the weekend. Around 700 police were patrolling the morning rush hour handing out tickets to offenders. Taxis and commercial vehicles aren’t covered by the ban.
The government scrambled to issue a list of exceptions, which include electric and hybrid cars, taxis, and cars with at least three people on board to encourage car-sharing. But all trucks will be banned.
Even before the restrictions were announced, Parisians were given free travel on buses, metros and public bikes over the weekend. The smog hanging in a haze over the French capital is the result of a string of warm days and cold nights and has caused the worst pollution levels since 2007.
It was the first time since 1997 that the emergency measure was taken. If the pollution persists, odd-numbered vehicles will be banned on Tuesday. Public transport has been made free for a fourth day to help deal with the pollution.
Police had ticketed nearly 4,000 people by midday Monday, and 27 drivers had their cars impounded for refusing to cooperate with officers.
France’s environment ministry said that by midday, lower traffic and more favorable weather patterns seemed to be having an impact on pollution. A decision on whether to repeat the measure Tuesday will be taken before the end of the day, the ministry said.
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