Paris Is Set To Ban Cars Built Before 1997

In an act to tackle the rise in carbon emission, the French capital will ban vehicles older than 19 years from driving in the city on workdays starting from the July 1. Anyone caught driving an older vehicle will face a fine whose potential severity ranges from modest €35 to biting €450. However, these vehicles would still be allowed on the roads before 8 a.m. and after 8 p.m., and without restriction on weekends.

Pedestrians walk along the Champs Élysées during a car-free day. (Jacky Naegelen/Reuters)

The new ban may be strict, but it sits quite comfortably among a host of emissions-slashing rules brought in recently by the city of Paris. Following huge build-ups of pollutants during winter 2014, the city introduced temporary car bans until levels started to abate.

Not left out are Motorcycles, which will face even tighter restrictions, with a driving ban on all two-wheeled motor vehicles made before 2000.

Source: Citylab