France: Driving restrictions extended in Lyon region March 1 (air pollution) /update 1

Event

Authorities have extended periodic driving restrictions in the Lyon metropolitan region through Friday, March 1, due to high levels of air pollution. Only vehicles with "Crit'Air" stickers type 0, 1, 2, or 3 are permitted to drive in designated zones detailed by local authorities. Drivers of cars with type 4 or 5 stickers will face fines.

The restrictions will be in effect in the cities of Lyon, Villeurbanne, and surrounding suburbs in the Rhône department on Friday. A full list of restrictions can be found on the police prefecture website. 

Context

Pollution rating stickers - vignettes Crit'Air - became compulsory in 2017 for all registered vehicles (e.g. cars, trucks, motorcycles, etc.) driving in or through Paris and other cities. The stickers come in six colors/numbers according to the amount of pollutants produced by the vehicle (from green to grey/0 to 5).

On a health-related note, elevated air pollution levels could be hazardous to certain groups (e.g. children, seniors, pregnant women, and people suffering from asthma and other respiratory issues). Air pollution can be harmful to heart health and increase the risks of heart attack or stroke in some people.

Advice

Individuals in the affected areas are advised to abide by the instructions issued by the authorities, expect busier-than-normal conditions on public transit, and limit strenuous outdoor activity during  periods of elevated pollution levels due to health concerns.