Heatwave Triggers Ozone Pollution Alert and Traffic Restrictions in Île-de-France
Île-de-France faces pollution alert and traffic restrictions amid ongoing heatwave.
Key Points
- • Differentiated traffic restrictions to begin July 1 due to ozone pollution alert.
- • Vehicles with Crit'Air vignettes 0, 1, and 2 only allowed in central restricted zones.
- • 91 departments under heatwave alert, with extreme temperatures expected.
- • Public health measures include school closures and wildfire prevention awareness.
Île-de-France is currently facing an unprecedented heatwave, prompting local authorities to issue a pollution alert and implement significant traffic restrictions starting July 1, 2025. The situation escalated as Météo France placed the region under a red alert for extreme heat, with peak temperatures expected to soar between 36°C and 41°C over the next few days.
In response, the prefect of Police announced a set of differentiated traffic measures aimed at reducing ozone pollution levels, which are expected to persist due to the extreme weather conditions. From 5:30 AM to midnight, only vehicles with Crit'Air vignettes classified as 0, 1, and 2 will be permitted to enter restricted areas within the A86 motorway, affecting parts of Paris and its suburbs. Heavy vehicles over 3.5 tons are required to use a bypass around the city. Additionally, speed limits on affected roads will be lowered by 20 km/h to mitigate emissions. Police will carry out checks to enforce these new regulations, marking the first time differentiated traffic restrictions have been implemented since late 2024.
The heatwave, described as the second major incident of 2025, has resulted in 91 departments across France being placed under alert, with 16 under red alert status. The extreme temperatures began rising over the weekend and are accompanied by concerns about public health, particularly for vulnerable populations. In a further response, around 1,350 schools have announced closures or the option for parents to keep their children at home due to the sweltering conditions.
Local authorities have also emphasized the importance of vigilance against wildfires, introducing strict measures such as banning smoking in wooded areas and coordinating outreach efforts aimed at protecting the homeless and other vulnerable groups during this heatwave.
As the heatwave continues, the situation will be closely monitored, with active communication and updates provided to the public regarding health guidelines and traffic restrictions. This multi-faceted response highlights the urgency of addressing the dual challenges posed by extreme weather and its environmental impacts on urban health in Île-de-France.