Temporary driving restrictions imposed in parts of France due to air pollution
High ozone levels and fine particle concentrations caused by heat, dust, and transatlantic wildfire smoke blamed
The restrictions were lifted with the arrival of a turbulent weather front on Sunday June, 15, but remain active in several communes in Gard
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Authorities in several French regions imposed temporary driving restrictions and health precautions due to a spike in air pollution, linked to high ozone levels and fine particle concentrations caused by heatwaves, desert dust, and transatlantic wildfire smoke.
Several departments in the south-east and north-east of France were placed on alert due to deteriorating air quality on Saturday, June 14.
AtmoSud, the air quality monitoring agency for Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, said that a combination of Saharan dust and lingering smoke from Canadian wildfires had contributed to sustained pollution episodes across the region.
Three departments - Bouches-du-Rhône, Vaucluse, and Alpes-de-Haute-Provence - were placed on Level 2 alert for both fine particle (PM10) and ozone pollution, while Hautes-Alpes was put on Level 1 for fine particle pollution.
These alert levels apply when pollution levels cross certain thresholds for prolonged periods, allowing the departmental prefecture to activate driving restrictions based on the framework of the Crit'Air stickers and ZFE low-emission zones.
Driving restrictions in the south of France
In the Bouches-du-Rhône, which was on alert since June 12, the existing low-emission zone (ZFE) restrictions were extended on June 14, barring vehicles with Crit-Air stickers 3, 4 and 5 from entering the city until 20:00
Similar restrictions were enforced around Avignon, where the prefecture activated a ‘level 2’ alert for a fourth consecutive day in response to persistent pollution in the Vaucluse.
From 06:00 to 20:00 on Saturday and Sunday, vehicles with a Crit’Air 4 or 5 sticker - denoting the most polluting categories - were banned from driving in the greater Avignon area.
Lorries with Crit’Air 3, 4 or 5 stickers were also prohibited.
The restrictions, initially set to last until Sunday evening (June 15), covered 20 communes in and around Avignon and were extended to seven neighbouring towns in the Gard department.
In conjunction with the restrictions, public transport in Grand Avignon - including the Orizo bus and tram network - was made free of charge over the weekend to encourage alternative travel.
In the Grand Est region, both Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin were placed on Level 1 alert for ozone pollution.
The regional monitoring agency, ATMO Grand Est, cited ongoing summer weather - including intense sunlight and high temperatures - as key factors in the build-up of ozone.
The prefectures also issued public health recommendations, advising people to avoid intense physical activity and to pay particular attention to vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and those with respiratory conditions.
As part of the pollution protocol, authorities also reduced maximum driving speeds by 20km/h on affected roads where the speed limit is 70km/h or higher.
In most areas, the restrictions were lifted with the arrival of a turbulent weather front on Sunday June, 15, but remain active in several communes in Gard.
