Paris Bans Cars With Even Numbered Plates To Cut Pollution, Congestion

Derek Kreindler
by Derek Kreindler

Municipal authorities in Paris banned cars with even numbered license plates from entering the city, in a bit to limit traffic and ease record levels of pollution.

Paris implemented similar measures last spring, since weather patterns during the season can amplify levels of pollution in the air. The measures were credited with reducing traffic by 40 percent, though hybrids, EVs and other “clean cars” were exempt.

Derek Kreindler
Derek Kreindler

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  • Mandalorian Mandalorian on Mar 23, 2015

    It's France's own fault for over-taxing gasoline and gas engines. Do that and people are driven to crappy old used diesels because they can't afford gas or the tax on it.

    • RobertRyan RobertRyan on Mar 23, 2015

      They can afford it, but wanting to get rid of some ancient vehicles is another matter

  • Big Al from Oz Big Al from Oz on Mar 24, 2015

    It seems like a good idea. I would say a huge chunk of the Parisian populace use the Metro anyway. This is only anecdotal, but it seems the average of the vehicle fleet in France is older than the US so many old gasoline and diesel vehicles are high emitters of particulates. Even the new GDI gasoline engines emit 1 000 time more particulates than a modern diesel. If anyone has been to Paris one would have seen the older part of the city is surrounded by hills. Geographical influences would also affect pollutant levels, similar to LA or Sydney. On average Paris probably is freer of pollutants than many large cities around the world, including US cities. I think I read the 10 micron and smaller limit for particulates used for Paris is 80ppm. The city's average is 38ppm. 80ppm is a global standard that is used in the US as well.

  • Hawox Hawox on Mar 24, 2015

    same measure was used many years ago here in italy. totally useless. all those "allarms" is pure publicity. only the last Euro 6 restriction on diesel emitions is more effective. the previous ones cut the legs to gasoline engines. if you want to reduce city congestions simply reduce prices of the pubblic transport. being pubblic it's allready covered by our taxes.

  • Ghills Ghills on Mar 24, 2015

    Just another in a long line of data points that Ecos are morons

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