Category: France
Bicycle instead of car - Paris in transition
A study by a public foundation has shown that more than one in ten journeys in Paris and the surrounding area are made by bicycle. This is a remarkable increase compared to 14 years ago, when less than one in thirty journeys were made by bike. Paris seems to have been endeavouring to change its transport policy for years. With more cycle paths and cycle lanes, fewer car parks and higher parking charges, the city is trying to promote cycling and reduce car traffic. But what does this mean for the existing low emission zone?
Anti-pollution zones for classic cars?
The world of classic cars is always on the move. On the one hand, there is nostalgia and the desire to keep the history of the automotive industry alive. On the other hand, there is the need to adapt to the constantly changing conditions and regulations regarding the environment and sustainability. A recent development in this context is the new "Villes et villages d'accueil des véhicules d'époque" label, which was launched by the French Federation of Historic Vehicles (FFVE). But what exactly is behind this label and what does it mean for the environmental zones?
France: scrappage scheme 2.0?
With a unanimous vote, the reuse of cars originally destined for scrapping was decided in favour of the country's most vulnerable citizens. While the intention behind this measure is respectable, its implementation leaves many questions unanswered and raises serious concerns about its environmental impact.
Chemical accident in France: alarming sulphur dioxide levels!
In Les Roche de Condrieux, an industrial area in France, the sulphur dioxide limit value was recently exceeded at one point. At 300 µg/m³, the hourly average was above the permitted value for two hours. The warning was only issued in the late afternoon.
Low emission zone in Wallonia overturned: Major cities targeted, introduction postponed to 2025
Wallonia, known for its picturesque landscapes and charming towns, has decided to introduce a controversial low emission zone in 2022. The previous Walloon government had drawn up a plan to gradually ban the most polluting vehicles from the roads. This measure triggered fierce debate and unrest. However, the current Environment Minister Céline Tellier (Ecolo) appears to be overturning these plans.
Further ban on combustion engines in Lyon - environmental lane to be extended in both directions
The A6 motorway will lose a lane at the entrance to Lyon, which may then only be used by certain vehicles. This is the result of preparatory work that began on 5 February 2024 to widen the existing lane (M6). The work is taking place at the junction of the A89 and the A6 (Limonest) north of Lyon and should be completed by 2 March 2024.
Olympic Games 2024: Paris postpones ZTL
Paris is preparing for the 2024 Olympics while taking measures to improve air quality and road safety. And how? By postponing the introduction of a traffic-calmed zone (ZTL) in the city center until after the games. A measure that takes into account both the logistical requirements of the major event and underlines the city's commitment to a sustainable and healthy urban environment.
Cars are getting wider and wider - are width restrictions or increasing parking fees coming to European cities?
Drivers' love of SUVs has meant that the average width of cars in Europe has increased by half a centimetre every year since 2001. This development brings with it a number of challenges, particularly in terms of parking facilities and road safety. A study by the European umbrella organisation Transport & Environment shows that half of new cars are now too wide for many parking spaces in European cities. The researchers are therefore in favour of a European upper limit for the width of cars.
Declining car registrations in the Eurometropolis of Strasbourg: a step in the right direction
In recent years, the number of cars registered in the Eurometropolis has steadily increased. However, for the first time since 2015, the region recorded a significant decline between 2022 and 2023. The number of cars fell by 2.83%, according to figures from the Ministry of Ecological Transition. This decline is particularly noticeable in Strasbourg.
Strasbourg low emission zone: fines suspended for the time being!
There has recently been some good news for travellers in Strasbourg. The President of the Eurometropolis has decided to suspend all fines in connection with the ZFE zone, citing the improvement in air quality as the reason. Pia Imbs explained: "There will be no further fines for the low emission zone. The air quality has improved. Despite this decision, the low emission zone will remain in place for educational reasons.