Paris bans traffic in bid to cut air pollution

Yesterday (Monday March 17th) saw Paris, France implement a partial driving ban in a bid to combat the high levels of air pollution in and around the city. This is the first ban on traffic seen in Paris in almost two decades; it saw drivers of cars with even license plates banned from driving. Public transport was free for the fourth day in a row to provide transportation for those not allowed to drive their own vehicles.

The government issued the ban stopping around half of all cars in the city from being used throughout the day following high levels of smog enveloping the city. The ban was enforced by around 700 police officers, who were posted at checkpoints throughout Paris to stop drivers whose cars had license plates ending in an even number.

Any drivers that failed to abide by the ban faced fines of €22 (£18.50) if they paid on the spot, or €35 if the fine was paid within three days. According to Paris police, almost 4,000 fines had been awarded to motorists who failed to abide by the driving restriction. 

Drivers of cars that had license plates ending in even numbers were able to park for free throughout the day and were exempt from the ban if they contained three or more passengers. Those driving hybrid or electric vehicles were also not affected by the restrictions. As well as helping to reduce the amount of traffic emissions created throughout the city, Paris drivers with odd license plates benefited from a 60 per cent reduction in traffic jams.

The ban ended at midnight, as did the free parking and public transport. It is not yet known whether the restrictions saw an improvement in the city and surrounding areas' air quality.

Last week saw particulate matter measuring less than ten micrometres in diameter (PM10) reach around 140 micrograms per cubic meter, according to air quality measurements for Europe and France. This form of pollution is largely caused by vehicle emissions and can cause a number of health issues, including heart and respiratory illnesses. French health minister Marisol Touraine told RTL radio that hospital visits have increased throughout Paris in recent days, possibly due to the high levels of air pollution.