Alternate traffic in Paris on Monday

VEHICLES with number plates ending in an even number will be banned from the roads of Paris and 22 surrounding communes on Monday, it has been confirmed.

The alternate traffic scheme has been given the green-light by the French state, after Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo asked for emergency measures to be introduced to tackle a spike in pollution.

The ban applies from 5.30 on Monday morning - and as Monday is the 23rd of the month, only number plates ending in an odd number can use the roads.

As well as Paris, the following suburbs are also affected: Montrouge, Malakoff, Vanves, Issy-les-Moulineaux, Boulogne-Billancourt, Neuilly-sur-Seine, Levallois-Perret, Clichy, Saint-Ouen, Pantin, Le Pré-Saint-Gervais, Les Lilas, Bagnolet, Montreuil, Aubervilliers, Saint-Denis, Vincennes, Saint-Mandé, Charenton-le-Pont, Ivry-sur Seine, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre and Gentilly.

However, the outer orbital road, the A86, which crosses some of these communes will not apply the restrictions.

On-the-spot fines of €22 will apply, rising to €35 if not paid immediately. Drivers will also be told to return to where they set off from, or have their vehicle impounded.

Electric and hybrid cars can still use the capital's streets - as can cars and trucks with even number plates that are carrying at least three people.

Food deliveries, roadworks trucks, emergency vehicles, taxis, school buses, learner-drivers and journalists are all exempt.

Public transport in Paris will remain free-of-charge within zones 1 to 5 until the pollution peak clears.