Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has called for diesel cars to be banned from the French capital by 2020 as part of plans to reduce pollution.
Anne Hidalgo told France’s Journal du Dimanche newspaper she wanted only ultra low-emission vehicles on the capitals’ main thoroughfares.
She also suggested more pedestrian areas and a doubling of cycle lanes.
A partial car ban was imposed in March after the capital’s air quality was found to be one of the worst on record.
“I want diesel cars out of Paris by 2020,” Anne Hidalgo said.
“Today 60% of Parisians already do not have cars, compared with 40% in 2001. Things are changing quickly.”
Anne Hidalgo’s plans also include limits on the tourist buses that clog Paris streets, banning trucks from cutting through the city, and adding electric vans to the city’s car-sharing scheme.
She said there was a serious public health risk in the capital, with Parisians living on average six or seven months less than people not exposed to the same levels of pollution.
The plans will be discussed by the city council on December 9.
Some 84% of Paris residents see fighting pollution as a priority and 54% supported a diesel ban in the city by 2020, according a poll carried out for the Journal du Dimanche.
Research by the World Health Organization has shown that diesel engines, although more fuel efficient than petrol engines, produce more pollutants.
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Police will monitor traffic in Paris on Monday after pollution levels prompted the French government to impose major restrictions.
Only motorists whose cars have odd-numbered registration plates will be allowed to drive.
On Tuesday, if the restrictions remain in place, it will be the turn of those with even-numbered plates.
Ministers acted after air pollution exceeded safe levels for five days running in Paris and surrounding areas.
The smoggy conditions have been caused by a combination of cold nights and warm days, which have prevented pollution from dispersing
The measure has been tried once before, in 1997. Paris air quality monitoring body Airparif says it had a noticeable impact on improving air quality, although critics have disputed its findings.
Motorcycles will also be covered by the ban, which runs from 05:30 local time to midnight on Monday. There are exceptions for electric and hybrid vehicles, and for cars carrying three or more passengers.
Police will monitor traffic in Paris on Monday after pollution levels prompted the French government to impose major restrictions (photo AP)
Those flouting the restrictions will face a small fine although there will be free parking for those with number-plates ending in an even number.
Delivery companies are already complaining of lost income. Politically the stakes are high, with elections for Paris mayor due to start next week.
Opposition leader Jean-Francois Cope complained that the ban “lacks coherence, explanation and on the ground it’s really panic”.
On Friday, public transport was made free of charge for three days in an attempt to encourage people to leave their cars at home. This measure will continue on Monday.
The capital’s air quality has been one of the worst on record, French environmental agencies say, rivaling the Chinese capital, Beijing, one of the world’s most polluted cities.
On Friday, pollution levels hit 180 microgrammes of PM10 particulates per cubic metre, more than double the safe limit of 80.
PM10 particulates are emitted by vehicles, heating systems and heavy industry.
Pollution levels were said to have fallen on Sunday but were expected to rise again on Monday.
The government is to review pollution levels again, before deciding whether to extend the driving restrictions for longer.
Officials say one heavy rainfall would have more effect than a one-day ban.
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Paris is introducing alternative driving days in an attempt to tackle dangerous levels of air pollution.
From Monday, drivers will only be able to use their vehicles every other day.
This is only the second time since 1997 that such a restriction has been enforced.
The French government made the decision after air pollution exceeded safe levels for five days running in Paris and surrounding areas.
Motorcycles will also be covered by the ban, which will allow only vehicles with number plates terminating in an uneven digit to take to the roads, beginning at 05:30 on Monday.
On Friday, public transport was made free of charge for three days in an attempt to encourage people to leave their cars at home. This measure will continue on Monday.
Paris is introducing alternative driving days in an attempt to tackle dangerous levels of air pollution
The smoggy conditions have been caused by a combination of cold nights and warm days, which have prevented pollution from dispersing.
The capital’s air quality has been one of the worst on record, French environmental agencies say, rivaling the Chinese capital, Beijing, one of the world’s most polluted cities.
On Friday, pollution levels hit 180 micrograms of PM10 particulates per cubic meter, more than double the safe limit of 80.
PM10 particulates are emitted by vehicles, heating systems and heavy industry.
The French government will review pollution levels on Monday, before deciding whether to extend the driving restrictions for longer.
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