Attention summer smog! Heatwave in France triggers driving bans
In the south of France, people are suffering from enormous heat these days. This contributes massively to the formation of ozone. Therefore, strict driving bans have already been declared in Marseille. Avignon, Toulon and Nice are also threatened with driving bans.
Up to 40 degrees Celsius are expected in the south of France this afternoon, 23.08.2023. Especially for the circulation of old and sick people, the heat is a danger. At the same time, the heat increases air pollution in the cities, as more harmful ozone is produced. This phenomenon, also known as summer smog, causes problems for many cities again and again in summer.
In Marseille, driving bans have therefore already been imposed. Vehicles without a sticker, as well as stickers 4 and 5, are now excluded from the environmental zone. This affects, for example, diesel cars with Euro standard 3 as well as lorries and buses with Euro standard 4. The maximum speed has also been reduced by 20 km/h on many roads. The words "OZONE ALERT" can be seen on displays and parking meters. In the last few days, the prefect had already warned of an impending driving ban. Avignon, Toulon and Nice have also had advance warnings since 20 August. The temporary zones there could therefore be activated soon and also exclude older vehicles from entering the zones.
The formation of ozone in hot and sunny weather is particularly strong in places where there are already a lot of air pollutants, for example where there is a lot of traffic and industry. The ozone is then formed from nitrogen dioxide or other so-called ozone precursors. In the city, ozone can be partially broken down again if other air pollutants, such as nitrogen monoxide, are present. These substances are absent on the outskirts. Therefore, the pollution there is usually also high, since the ozone formed in the city is transported to the outskirts, but cannot be broken down there.
Similar to other air pollutants, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends a much lower threshold value than that set by the EU. The WHO considers a value of 100 μg/m3 to be safe. In the EU, a value of 120 µg/m³ should be exceeded on no more than 25 days a year. Above a value of 180 µg/m³, the population must be informed. At 240 μg/m3 most warning systems take effect. This shows how high the danger is on these days in the south of France. The safe levels indicated by the WHO have already been clearly exceeded.
At the moment, moreover, there is no end in sight to the heatwave. To stay informed and know where in the south of France you can drive in the next few days, use our free Green-Zones app - and, if possible, leave your car behind to do your bit for cleaner air.