Road traffic New environmental lane on Paris city highway causes controversy
There are frequent traffic jams and high levels of air pollution on the Paris city highway. From now on, one lane will be reserved for car pools, cabs and buses during rush hour.
04.03.2025, 06:30
SDA
The measure is intended to reduce CO2 pollution for the 550,000 residents of the 35-kilometer ring road around Paris, the city announced.
In Paris, the city highway is the area with the highest level of pollution and up to two and a half times higher levels of particulate matter, it said. Around 1.5 million cars drive along the highway, known as the Boulevard Périphérique, every day.
In addition to the city highway, a so-called environmental lane is now also in operation on the A13 and A1 highways in the Paris region. The A13 leads from Paris towards Normandy, the A1 towards Belgium and North Rhine-Westphalia. This means that travelers coming from Germany to France will be confronted with the new regulations there.
Automobile club launches petition against environmental lane
The motorists' association "40 Millions d'Automobilistes" has launched a petition against the new regulation. According to the association, what is being declared as a measure against pollution and traffic jams is a further punishment of motorists. "The creation of a lane for carpooling will only lead to even more congestion in the other lanes and will certainly exacerbate the already dramatic situation on the ring road." These are irresponsible restrictions at the expense of the inhabitants of the Paris region, who depend on this main traffic artery for their daily lives.
The fact that air pollution is a pressing issue in Paris was promptly demonstrated by a warning issued by the authorities on Tuesday about increased particulate pollution. The population was called upon not to exercise near roads and not to smoke or light fires outdoors. The elderly, sick and pregnant women as well as young children were generally advised not to take part in sport or strenuous outdoor activities.
A speed limit of 50 km/h already applies on city highways
In order to reduce air pollution and the number of accidents, Paris had already lowered the speed limit on the Périphérique from 70 to 50 km/h in October. During the Olympic Games last summer, one lane was already temporarily reserved for participants and contributors to the Games.
Now, from Monday to Friday between 7.00 am and 10.20 am and from 4.00 pm to 8.00 pm, the leftmost lane will be reserved for cars with at least two occupants, cabs, buses and people with a disabled pass. During a transitional phase, drivers who disregarded the ban would be asked to change lanes on illuminated signs. From May 1, a fine of 135 euros will be imposed if the AI-supported monitoring system registers a violation. In the event of traffic jams and accidents, the lane can be reopened at short notice.
Separate lanes for carpooling are already being tested in other French cities such as Strasbourg, Grenoble, Rennes, Lyon, Lille and Nantes. A new traffic sign - a white diamond on a blue background - indicates the regulation.
