Drivers on the Paris ring road (périphérique) risk being fined from Friday (May 2), if they do not respect the rules of the new car-sharing (covoiturage) lane.
The first checks come into force two months after the introduction of the VR2+ (voie réservée for cars with two or more people) and will now see drivers who use the lane without any passengers in their vehicle liable to a €135 fine.
This marks the end of the lane’s ‘educational period,’ when driver error was pardoned without being penalised.
David Belliard, deputy mayor in charge of transport at Paris City Council said: “Our aim is to reduce car use and encourage more eco-responsible behaviour. It is not a question of making money.”
The car-sharing lane can also be used by public transport, taxis and private hire vehicles, as well as emergency and law enforcement vehicles. Disabled drivers can use this lane once they have registered with the dedicated Handi'Stat database [scroll to the bottom of this webpage].
The experimental restrictions are also being tested on parts of the A1 and the A13 motorways.
How to identify car-sharing lanes?
The car-sharing regulations cover around 70% of the 35 km ring road. The southern section between the Quai d’Issy (15th arrondissement) and Porte de Bercy (12th arrondissement) is excluded.
Strateact / Service Public
The dedicated lane is on the left-hand side of the road, closest to the central barrier. It is active from Monday to Friday between 07:00 to 10.30 and 16:00 to 20:00, and not during public holidays.
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The lane may be deactivated in the event of accidents or special circumstances, or on low-traffic days.
Car-sharing lanes are marked by a square sign with a white diamond in the centre that can be switched on and off. When the sign is lit, the lane is dedicated to car-sharing. When switched off all users can use the lane.
How will drivers be checked?
Ten infrared cameras (radars) - five in each direction of the road - are used to assess the type of vehicle using the lanes as well as the number of people in a car.
The computer-assisted video surveillance programme can identify the difference between seats which are occupied and empty.
Cameras can also read the registration plates of vehicles breaking the rules, giving authorities a means of contacting those in contravention of the restrictions.
A commissioned police officer will verify the camera images before issuing the fine.
