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Environment: are lanes reserved for carpooling effective?
Environment: are lanes reserved for carpooling effective?
(France 2)
To fight inflation and reduce their carbon footprint, more and more French people are using carpooling. Faced with its success, several cities have set up dedicated routes.
On the roads around major cities, white diamonds are written on illuminated signs. Recent signage which is not yet known to all motorists. These signs, present on the A7 motorway at the entrance to Lyon, in the Rhône, require that a minimum of two users be present in the vehicle. The carpool lane is also open to emergency services, taxis and clean vehicles.
A measure that divides
This measure has been tested for three years to improve traffic flow and reduce air pollution. However, it divides drivers. “It encourages people to be several in the car.”, recognizes a woman. According to another motorist, lanes reserved for carpooling create traffic jams. Others acknowledge that they do not respect the rule. Violators face a fine of 135 euros, because radars capable of counting the number of passengers have been installed. “We are awaiting the publication of a single regulated decree which must be taken by the ministers in order to be able to issue a fine”, explains the vice-president of the Lyon metropolis in charge of mobility. Other major cities also have carpool lanes.
