Because pollution.
Paris is known for its stunning architecture, colourful history, and significance as a cultural hub in Europe, but to locals it’s also known for its traffic and - perhaps less evident – its increasing levels of air pollution.
To curb this, some weeks ago the French federal government and Paris city officials chose to enact a law that would essentially ban all passenger cars manufactured before 1997 from entering city. Mind you, this isn’t just relegated to the city centre, but all of Paris.
It’s an aggressive move to dramatically reduce the levels of carbon and other harmful particulates in the French capital, and one that might even spawn similar initiatives in other densely populated European cities.
After the initial controversy had settled to a mild simmer, authorities in other countries spoke of the measure quite warmly, praising such a bold and direct move to curb the air pollution before it reaches critically harmful levels. Paris and other cities like it are well on their way to that outcome.
The way it would work is that motorists who plan on entering the city would need to stick what’s called an air quality certificate on their windshields that specifies the type of car it is, the date of manufacture, and what emissions standard it complies with.
From there law enforcement officers will inspect incoming cars at specific checkpoints placed at various city access roads and only allow those with high enough emissions certification to proceed.
Should a car in violation of this law be found within Paris, motorists can be fined €35 (around $52) which can compound over time to €50 (or $74). It’s about as serious as a parking offence, with drivers being fined a similar amount.
It’s not all bad news for owners of older cars, however, as the ban is only in effect on weekdays between 8am and 8pm. Not only that, but cars that are over 30 years old and registered as a classic vehicle are excepted from this new law altogether, as are government vehicles.
The French officials who are championing this new rule are obviously facing resistance from Parisians, with protests and lawsuits following its initial announcement. The most direct way for motorists to get around the ban would either be to explore public transportation options for their daily commute or to buy a newer car.
However, purchasing a cheaper car that just passes the 1997 date of manufacture might not be a sound decision as Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo has told local newspapers that the ban will become progressively stricter. As time passes, only cars with more current emissions standards will be allowed into the city.
