Île-de-France imposes traffic restrictions amid heatwave and pollution alert

Île-de-France is enacting restrictive traffic measures and differentiated circulation starting Friday due to a persistent pollution episode, exacerbated by high temperatures. The Paris police prefect, Patrice Faure, announced these measures to combat elevated ozone concentrations.

From 5:30 AM to 11:59 PM daily, only vehicles with Crit'Air vignettes of class 0, 1, and 2 will be allowed to circulate within the A86 ring road, excluding the A86 itself. This measure aims to reduce vehicle emissions contributing to the poor air quality.

In addition to the circulation restrictions, maximum authorized speeds have been lowered. Speed limits are reduced to 110 km/h on roads normally capped at 130 km/h, 90 km/h on those normally at 110 km/h, and 70 km/h on roads normally at 80 or 90 km/h. Heavy goods vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes are also required to bypass Paris using the ring road.

Complementary measures include a ban on open-air burning and a postponement of work that emits volatile organic compounds. Industrial activities that are significant polluters must temporarily cease, and the use of generators for testing or maintenance is prohibited. The prefecture warned that this persistent pollution episode, driven by heat and sunlight, could continue for several days, and controls will be in place to ensure compliance.