Île-de-France Eases Traffic Restrictions Despite Ongoing Air Pollution Alert
Île-de-France lifts vehicle restrictions while battling high ozone pollution levels amid heat wave.
Key Points
- • Heat alert downgraded to orange due to lower temperatures.
- • Differentiated traffic restrictions lifted as of 6 AM on July 2.
- • Speed limit reduced by 20 km/h due to high ozone levels.
- • Antipollution travel ticket introduced for €4.
On July 2, 2025, Île-de-France authorities downgraded the heat warning from red to orange as temperatures slightly decreased, but air pollution concerns remain prevalent. The Paris police prefecture announced the end of previous differentiated traffic measures that restricted access to less polluting vehicles in designated areas. This change took effect at 6:00 AM, allowing all vehicles to circulate freely in Paris.
However, a maximum speed limit reduction of 20 km/h persists due to high ozone levels exceeding recommended thresholds, as reported by Airparif. The Prefect of Seine-et-Marne emphasized the importance of maintaining air quality and advised limiting vehicle usage when possible. Additionally, an ‘antipollution' ticket is now available for €4, enabling unlimited travel on the public transport network, including metro, buses, trams, and RER services. Meteorological forecasts predict rain and thunderstorms in the following days, which could alleviate some pollution levels.
Authorities encourage telecommuting and carpooling, underscoring the need for community cooperation in managing air quality during the ongoing heat wave. This update marks a significant shift in traffic policies amidst continued environmental challenges in the region.