Paris Implements Dedicated Carpool Lane on City Ring Road

In response to traffic congestion and environmental concerns, Paris has announced the allocation of a dedicated lane on its city ring road for carpooling, taxis, and buses during peak hours. This initiative aims to improve air quality and create a healthier living environment for the approximately 550,000 residents affected by the Boulevard Périphérique, the 35-kilometer long urban highway surrounding the city.

The Périphérique has been identified as one of the most polluted areas in Paris, with a significant concentration of fine particulate matter. In an effort to mitigate pollution and reduce accidents, the city lowered the speed limit on this busy thoroughfare from 70 km/h to 50 km/h last October. Additionally, during the recent Olympic Games, a lane was temporarily reserved for participants and staff.

Currently, around 1.5 million vehicles traverse the Périphérique daily, with 80% of drivers traveling solo. By promoting carpooling, the city hopes to alleviate traffic jams, noise, and environmental damage.

Starting in March, the outermost left lane will be designated for vehicles with at least two occupants, taxis, buses, and disabled persons from Monday to Friday between 7:00 AM to 10:20 AM and from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Initially, drivers violating this regulation will be prompted by digital signs to change lanes; however, starting May 1, a fine of EUR135 will be imposed for non-compliance, as monitored by AI-assisted surveillance. The designated lane may be temporarily opened during heavy traffic or accidents.

Similar initiatives are being trialed in other French cities, including Strasbourg, Grenoble, Rennes, Lyon, Lille, and Nantes, where specific lanes for carpooling are already in place. A new traffic sign featuring a white diamond on a blue background will indicate these dedicated lanes.

This measure is part of Paris's broader transportation strategy aimed at reducing automobile usage in the city. Last fall, the city also increased parking fees for larger vehicles and established a low-traffic zone in the city center, accessible only to residents and those conducting business there, in order to decrease through traffic.

The concept of dedicated carpool lanes is not new and has been successfully implemented in various U.S. cities since the 1970s, gaining traction in Europe since the 1990s. The first such lanes in Europe were introduced in the Netherlands in 1993, followed by trials in Spain, England, Austria, and Norway.