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ARCHIVE - There is heavy traffic on the "Peripherique" highway in Paris (archive photo). Photo: Michael Evers/dpa
Keystone
The traffic turnaround in Paris with speed limits and road closures for cars has significantly reduced air pollution. While 400,000 people in the greater Paris area were still exposed to nitrogen dioxide levels above the limit values in 2019, the number fell to 5,000 by 2023.
This was determined by the Council of State. The reduction of the speed limit on certain traffic routes and stricter rules for the low emission zone will therefore lead to full compliance with all limit values in Paris by 2026.
The Council of State, the highest administrative court, announced that similar restrictions on car traffic in the Lyon conurbation would also keep air pollution within the permitted limits. Following a complaint by environmental associations, the Council of State condemned France in 2017 because air pollution in 13 conurbations was above the limit values.
The court has repeatedly fined the state millions because clean air plans only led to partial improvements. Now, however, air pollution has been successfully reduced nationwide, the court declared.
25.04.2025, 16:27
