Air pollution on rise again
Authorities introduce speed limits and free parking to combat rising levels of dangerous PM10 particulates
SPEED limits have been reintroduced in Paris today, and residential parking is free, as authorities combat rising pollution levels in the French capital.
Although air pollution is not expected to reach the levels of earlier this month, authorities have said it is high enough to pose a risk to more vulnerable residents, such as poorly children, people with asthma and anyone who suffers from cardiac or respiratory illnesses.
People in those categories are advised to avoid strenuous activities while pollution levels remain so high.
Speed restrictions have been implemented on certain roads including the Peripherique. Parking has also been made free to the city’s 170,000 residential permit holders to encourage motorists to leave their cars at home.
Officials also said that if pollution levels continue to rise, other measures will be introduced such as making Autolib’ and Velib’ car and bike-sharing schemes free.
The latest restrictions have been imposed as levels of minute PM10 particles passed 50 microgrammes per cubic metre of air. An official alert is triggered when levels hit 80 microgrammes. At the height of the pollution crisis earlier this month, levels peaked at 180 microgrammes per cubic metre.
