Speed limits reduced across France as heatwave drives ozone pollution alerts
Regional measures aim to reduce emissions and limit health risks during peak temperatures
Temporary speed reductions of around 20 km/h have been introduced on major roads
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Rising temperatures and worsening air pollution have prompted authorities in France to impose temporary speed restrictions in Île-de-France and in parts of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.
Speed limits will be reduced on roads in the Île-de-France region throughout Wednesday. In a post on X, the Paris police prefecture announced the implementation of several restrictive measures for the entire day.
The speed limit is reduced:
from 130 km/h to 110 km/h on motorways
from 110 km/h to 90 km/h on expressways
to 70 km/h on sections normally limited to 90 km/h, as well as on national and departmental roads normally limited to 80 km/h or 90 km/h
The measures, following a warning from Airparif, the organisation which monitors air quality in the Paris agglomeration, apply from 5:30 to 23:59 on Wednesday, May 27. Authorities also recommend limiting car use where possible.
Similar restrictions have been introduced in several areas of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, particularly in the Loire department, the bassin d’air stéphanois (Saint-Étienne area), and the Rhône Valley, where air quality is deteriorating under intense heat conditions, with temperatures set to reach up to 36C to 38C in parts of the central Rhône Valley, according to Météo-France forecasts.
Across these areas, authorities have introduced temporary speed reductions of around 20 km/h on major roads above 90 km/h, while limits are reduced to 70 km/h on roads normally restricted to 80 km/h. On major motorways such as the A47, A72, and A89, speeds have been reduced to 110 km/h instead of 130 km/h.
Additional restrictions vary by area but include bans on green waste burning, solid-fuel barbecues, and fireworks, with teleworking also encouraged in some departments.
Health authorities also advise vulnerable groups to avoid strenuous outdoor activity, limit exposure near busy roads during peak hours, and travel during cooler parts of the day.
