France to launch alternating traffic system to reduce pollution

After experiencing days of dangerously high pollution levels, France will introduce a new alternating traffic system from Monday 17 March. Only drivers with odd licence plates will be able to circulate in Paris and 22 other regions. Authorities hope the traffic control measures - a first since 1997 - will help ease congestion and reduce carbon emissions.

French drivers will have to drive on alternate days from Monday 17 March to ease traffic congestion Getty images

It's an experiment  that hasn't been tried in nearly twenty years, but the last time French authorities introduced alternate driving days for cars with even- and odd-numbered license plates, it worked. Hopes are that this time it will be just as successful.

On Monday 17 March, 700 police officers will be mobilized to control the moving traffic. Only drivers with odd licence plates will be allowed to use their vehicles.

But the move, which comes after days of dangerous pollution levels, has been slated by the opposition, five days before local elections to elect the next mayor of Paris.

Conservative front-runner Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet, says the traffic control measures, including free transport and extended bike-schemes, are not only ineffective but dangerous. "I wouldn't recommend taking your bike out in this thick smog", she said on national TV.

The level of pollution reached its highest point between Friday and Saturday morning, hovering around 110 and 120 micrograms, well past the 80 microgram alert level.

However on Saturday, Paris region's air quality watchdog, Airparif, said the dangerous air particles ahd cleared.

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Géraldine Le Nir, engineer with Airparif

Christina Okello

Despite signs of improvement, weather forecasters warn that the air quality is set to deteriorate, provoking the emergency measures.

If drivers don't respect the conditions, they could see their cars towed away and be smacked with a fine of 75 euros.

However, ambulances, postal delivery and food transportation trucks, will be exempt from these restrictions.