Paris imposed a partial car ban to combat pollution

France on 17 March 2014 introduced driving restrictions in Paris to tackle dangerous pollution levels. Under the scheme drivers are allowed to use their cars only on alternate days, according to the odd or even numbers on their licence plates.

Parking will be free for vehicles with even number plates on a particular day. The residents are encouraged to carpooling or car-sharing sites to work out their commutes and rides. Free public transport including cycle and electric car-sharing schemes also introduced to combat smog.

The restrictions will be reviewed on a daily basis to determine if an extension is necessary.

The last restricted driving scheme was introduced in October 1997 in response to pollution from heavy diesel fumes. It lasted one day.

Paris is more prone to smog than other European capitals because of France's diesel subsidies and its high number of private car drivers.

As per the European Environment Agency (EEA) data, there was 147 microgrammes of particulate matter (PM) per cubic metre of air in Paris - compared with 114 in Brussels, 104 in Amsterdam, 81 in Berlin and 79.7 in London.

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