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South France: Heat sparks pollution alert, public transport made free
Motorway speeds are also being limited and some cruiseship stopovers are banned in a bid to reduce air pollution
A heatwave across the south of France has led to a level two alert for pollution to be introduced in the departments of the Var and Alpes Maritimes.
As a result, public transport has been made free in Nice in an attempt to reduce air pollution by encouraging people to use greener public transport like trams and trains instead of cars.
Amid the level two warning, people are advised to reduce sporting activity, consult a doctor if they experience breathing difficulties and look out for vulnerable people.
The Nice area prefecture is also encouraging shorter journeys via greener modes of transport and the speed limit on local stretches of motorway has been reduced by 20km/h.
Read also: France heatwave: what to (and not to) eat and drink
People should avoid going out first thing in the morning and last thing at night and avoid going near the major motorway.
Vulnerable people are advised to reduce their level of physical activity, limit outings in the afternoon and consult a doctor or pharmacist if they have difficulty breathing.
The mayor of Nice, Christian Estrosi has also asked the prefecture to ban heavyweight vehicles that are not making deliveries in the city centre and cruise stopovers that emit high levels of sulphur.
Mr Estrosi also wants the toll at Saint Isidore on the A8 motorway to be made free after it was shown to be a significant source of pollution. He says this will also help to move traffic away from the centre of Nice.
On Wednesday, 19 departments in France face the highest red alert for heat, while many others have tier three orange warnings in place.
Read also: France heatwave: what does a red alert change for the public?
The red level warning is only brought in during very intense and long lasting heatwaves, and means that the prefectures have more powers in order to protect the population.
During the current heatwave, many departments in France have recorded their highest ever temperature.
It is hoped that a storm expected towards the end of the week will bring temperatures down and bring the heatwave to an end.
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