Toulouse and the Haute-Garonne is affected by an episode of pollution, Sunday 25th February, 2018. The prefecture has decided to lower the maximum authorized speed of 20 km/h. Details.
The department of Haute-Garonne is concerned by exceeding the alert threshold for a phenomenon of atmospheric pollution to particles in suspension for the day of Sunday 25th February, 2018.
In this context, the prefecture of Haute-Garonne decided to take measures for the day of Sunday 25th February, 2018.
The speed lowered on the roads of the department
The main cause of this pollution is the accumulation of suspended particles due to a very stable atmosphere and a low wind. The forecasts are not favourable and the episode of pollution is expected to remain at a minimum until Monday 26th February, 2018.
Faced with this situation, the prefect of Haute-Garonne decided to implement emergency measures to limit the emission of pollutants, starting with the lowering of the maximum speed allowed on the roads of the department :
- at 110 km/h on the limited portions at 130 km/h;
- at 90 km/h on the limited portions at 110 km/h;
- at 70 km/h on the limited portions at 90 km/h.
Towards the establishment of differentiated traffic?
For the moment, the authorities have not implemented differential circulation. But this could be introduced if the peak pollution lasts three days . If this episode of pollution was to last, we could attend the first test life size for the vignette Crit’Air , which is mandatory since the end of November 2017. It is this vignette that will allow to establish differentiated circulation on prefectural order.
The colour of the Crit’Air sticker – there are six – determines the pollution level of the vehicle. Without this vignette, motorists can not drive in case of introduction of differentiated traffic.
How to limit air pollution?
The prefecture offers some ways to limit air pollution :
- Reduce the speeds of all vehicles;
- Practicing carpooling ,
- Use public transport ,
- Give priority to non-polluting modes of transport (walking, cycling …);
- Avoid lighting amenity lights;
- Reduce the use of generators;
- Postpone maintenance or cleaning with non-electric tools (mower, hedge trimmer …) or using solvents, paints, varnishes …;
In addition, health recommendations must be adopted.
Health recommendations for vulnerable and sensitive populations:
- Avoid traveling on highways and around them during peak periods.
- Avoid intense physical and sports activities (including competitions), both outdoors and indoors. Report activities that require the most effort.
- In case of respiratory or cardiac discomfort (shortness of breath, wheezing, palpitations):
- Take advice from your pharmacist or consult your doctor or consult the Air Health hotline (05 61 77 94 44).
- Choose shorter outings and those that require the least effort.
- Take advice from your doctor to find out if your medical treatment needs to be adapted as needed.
Recommendations for the general population:
- Reduce physical activity and intense sports (including competitions).
- In case of respiratory or cardiac discomfort (shortness of breath, wheezing, palpitations):
- Take advice from your pharmacist or consult your doctor or consult the Air Health hotline (05 61 77 94 44).
