Up to 2.8 million cars unable to drive in Paris

In a bid to keep down pollution levels in the capital, certain categories of vehicle are forbidden to drive in Paris today, according to the Préfecture de police. The directive affects vehicles classified as level 4 or 5 according to Crit’Air categories, and those predating 1997 which have no classification. Vehicles classified from 0 to 3 according to Crit’Air categories are permitted to drive. Speed limits have also been lowered to 20 kilometers per hour.

The restriction could impact up 2.8 million vehicles. To make travel easier for those affected by the restriction, public Velib’ bikes, electric car sharing service Autolib’ and residential parking, will all be free of charge. An ‘antipollution’ flat rate travel card costing €3.80 will allow travellers to use RATP services such as the metro, trams and buses, in a big to encourage Parisians to use public transport.

The restriction is in place across the 70 communes of the capital, extending as far as the A86 ring road, and also applies to those driving into the city from outside. Contravention of the restriction will incur a fine of up to €135. The restriction follows high pollution levels exacerbated by a heat wave over the past four days.

The Crit’Air system was implemented last year and anti-pollution stickers are now required for all French and foreign-registered vehicles driving in Paris.

The ‘circulation différenciée’ system imposed today was tried back in January, while the similar 'circulation alternée' system has been tested multiple time in the past. Since the implementation of Crit’Air categories it has been easier for communes to enforce anti-pollution regulations.