France Holidaymakers beware: High fines due to environmental lanes!
Locals and holidaymakers in France are seeing a blue sign with a white rhombus more and more often these days. Those who disregard it promptly pay 135 euros. The signs indicate so-called environmental lanes. These are only approved for certain low-emission vehicles and those with carpools and are intended to reduce air pollution.
Already in autumn 2020, the first environmental lane was opened in Grenoble. In the winter of the same year, a lane was added in Lyon. In the meantime, the measure to reduce air pollution also exists in Strasbourg. In Grenoble, the lane was further extended last year. A lane is being tested in Nantes and Rennes also has concrete plans. The signs are now not only seen on electronic displays above the motorways, but also on actual road signs or painted on the road surface.
The environmental lanes can be used by buses and taxis, but also by vehicles with 2 or more passengers. They are thus intended to encourage carpooling and lead to fewer cars on the roads overall. This should reduce air pollution and avoid traffic jams. In addition, electric and hydrogen vehicles are also allowed to use the lanes. However, only if there is no crossed-out vehicle under the white rhombus on a blue background.
Similar models exist worldwide. In Europe, you can already find a "High Occupancy Vehicle Lane" in Leeds, England, since the late 90s. A similar system was also tested in Madrid, Spain in the 90s. In the USA there is a carpool lane on many highways and in Montreal, Canada you can find the environmental lanes as in France, even marked with the same diamond symbol.
Whether the measure really contributes to carpooling and improving air quality is not clear. In Germany, the measure is rather controversial. Although there are bus lanes on which e-cars are also allowed, how many people are in the car is not the decisive factor here.
One thing is certain: the rules in Europe are becoming more and more confusing for drivers and there are increasingly hefty penalties. To keep track and avoid fines, use our free Green-Zones app and follow us on social media.