- Title: Paris metro free of charge, as city traffic limited over high pollution levels
- Date: 6th December 2016
- Summary: PARIS, FRANCE (DECEMBER 6, 2016) (REUTERS) VARIOUS OF CARS DRIVING ON MOTORWAY SIGN ON MOTORWAY SHROUDED IN SMOG READING (French): "ODD-NUMBERED VEHICLES BANNED, ACCIDENT IN 2500M, POLLUTION" VARIOUS OF POLICE STOPPING VEHICLES WITH ODD-NUMBERED LICENCE PLATES SIGN FOR METRO PARISIANS WALKING INTO METRO STATION PARISIANS PASSING THROUGH TICKET BARRIERS (SOUNDBITE) (French) COMMUTER, JEAN-FRANCOIS, SAYING: "I think it (traffic measures) should help with the pollution. Plus, it's really pleasant to have Paris with half the number of cars it usually has. And I put it into perspective because I live in a town which is perhaps the most polluted in the world, in Asia. And here I feel as though the air is already purer, and when I see they're trying to make it even purer I tell myself I'm not living on the same planet." (SOUNDBITE) (French) COMMUTER, PIERRE-JEAN AMAR, SAYING: "It's a good thing to address pollution. And it's a good thing for the passengers- they're going to save money. However it's costing a lot for the (Paris) region." (SOUNDBITE) (French) COMMUTER, LAURICE HARROW, SAYING: "I think it's a good thing but it's a bit of a pain at the same time, because most people - as today it's free, people are no longer using their cars. But the trains are full, we no longer have any space, it's a real pain." METRO TRAIN ARRIVING AT PLATFORM SIGN FOR METRO TRAINS PASSENGERS GETTING ON AND OFF THE TRAIN PASSENGERS WALKING THROUGH METRO STATION TRAIN LEAVING METRO STATION SIGN READING (French) "ODD-NUMBERED VEHICLES BANNED, POLLUTION" VARIOUS OF CARS DRIVING IN STREETS
- Embargoed: 21st December 2016 15:54
- Keywords: pollution France metro city traffic
- Location: PARIS, FRANCE
- City: PARIS, FRANCE
- Country: France
- Reuters ID: LVA0015BQXU13
- Aspect Ratio: 16:9
- Story Text:Paris banned vehicles with odd-numbered licence plates on Tuesday (December 6) in efforts to curb high pollution levels across the city.
AirParif, which monitors air quality in the Paris region, has said it was facing a period of PM10 (particles 10 micrometers or less in diameter) pollution.
The air quality index reached a level of 87 on Tuesday, which is one level below the highest alert.
The metro was free for all passengers, and residents were encouraged to car-share as cold weather and low winds have prevented the dispersion of toxic emissions in the French capital, pushing pollution levels upwards.
Parisian authorities have advised motorists to reduce their speed on the city's main routes, with the limit dropping from 80 km/h to 70km/h along the congested ring road.
Out on the streets of Paris, Parisians were largely positive over the city's measures to curb pollution levels.
"I think it should help with the pollution. Plus, it's really pleasant to have Paris with half the number of cars it usually has. And I put it into perspective because I live in a town which is perhaps the most polluted in the world, in Asia. And here I feel as though the air is already purer, and when I see they're trying to make it even purer I tell myself I'm not living on the same planet," passer-by Jean-Francois said.
"It's a good thing to address pollution. And it's a good thing for the passengers. They're going to save money, although it's costing a lot for the region," metro user Pierre-Jean Amar said.
On Wednesday (December 7), the city will ban vehicles with even-numbered license plates as the pollution spike is expected to remain. - Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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