Paris to trial city centre ban on 4x4s, old diesels
Fri 11 February 2011
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Parisian government officials are considering effecting a series of regulations that would heavily tax, or completely ban, 4x4s and high-polluting, old diesel vehicles from entering the city centre. The regulations could take effect in late 2011 or 2012.
Further details of the proposal including the hours the ban would be in effect, related fee amounts and the zone boundaries are still being determined with the objective of any proposed legislation primarily intended to alleviate urban congestion and pollution.
The idea emanated from an environmental round-table established by France's President Nicolas Sarkozy in 2007, which aimed to reduce air pollution in some of France's largest cities. Other cities, including Grenoble, Lyon and Aix-en-Provence have indicated they would be prepared to follow Paris's lead to reduce traffic and pollution through some form of congestion charge.
Denis Baupin from the Mayor's office said: "I’m sorry, but having a sport utility vehicle in a city makes no sense. Sell it and buy a vehicle that’s compatible with city life.”
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