The air pollution episode with ozone is worsening in the Alpes-Maritimes. The Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur decrees free public transportation across the entire Lignes d’Azur network within its territory.
The air pollution alert with ozone is intensifying, this Wednesday, August 23, in the Alpes-Maritimes. As is the case in Var, Bouches-du-Rhône, or Vaucluse, the alert level moves from 1 to 2, the highest threshold.
Atmosud states for this new day “little evolution with consistently high ozone concentrations over a large part of the regional territory”. This pollution peak is strongly linked to record temperatures that the entire country and particularly Nice have been experiencing in recent days.
The independent air observation institute in the PACA region describes this as a “photochemical” pollution episode. “High temperatures promote photochemistry and the formation of ozone from precursor pollutants present in the atmosphere”, it explains. The phenomenon is expected to continue this Thursday, August 24, and “potentially” this Friday, August 25.
Reduce Physical Activities
The prefect reminds of the behaviors to adopt so as not to exacerbate the phenomenon and to avoid health problems. When inhaled in large quantities, ozone is a toxic gas for humans. Therefore, it is particularly recommended to reduce intense physical and sporting activities.
For vulnerable people, the guidelines are to avoid traveling on major roads and their surroundings during peak times and to limit outings during the afternoon. In case of respiratory or cardiac discomfort, it is advised to consult a healthcare professional.
Free Public Transportation
“In order to act on our scale, we are implementing what our Métropole council decided in 2019: free public transport throughout the entire Lignes d’Azur network in the entire Nice Côte d’Azur Métropole“, shares Christian Estrosi, president of the Métropole, in a statement on Tuesday evening.
The entire bus and tram network is free, this Wednesday, August 23, except for the Park-n-Ride facilities (Parcazur). The measure could last as long as this pollution peak persists.
“Nevertheless, I recommend you to try to limit your movements to essentials and opt for carpooling when you have no other choice”, adds the mayor of Nice. On the road, it is recommended to “lower your speed by 20 km/h below the maximum allowed speed without going below 70 km/h”.
Transit Heavy Vehicles Banned From Metropolitan Roads
The mayor of Nice also calls to “ban all heavy vehicles that are merely passing through our department. In alignment, I am issuing an ordinance banning transit heavy vehicles from using metropolitan roads“.
He also requests that “the toll at Saint-Isidore be free“, a measure he has been advocating for several years. As for maritime transport, he would like to prohibit “cruise stopovers, which significantly emit sulfur”.
