A pollution peak expected in Pays de Savoie this weekend: an orange alert triggered

This is the second time in a few weeks that the Pays de Savoie has been affected by a peak of pollution.

“An episode of combustion-type air pollution (fine particles PM10 and nitrogen dioxide NO₂) is underway in the urban area of ​​the Pays de Savoie. As of tomorrow, Friday January 17, Atmo places this area on orange alert,” specifies the Savoie prefecture.

To combat this pollution, measures restrictions are requested by institutions.

Measures for residences and transport

These measures must be applied from January 17, 2025 at 12:00 a.m., and “from 5:00 a.m. with regard to measures relating to transport”.

Here are some of the measures put in place for residences and the transports.

Regarding the residences :

• The use of wood and its derivatives as individual supplementary or recreational heating is prohibited.
• The heating temperature of buildings must be controlled and reduced, on average
  volume, at 18 °C.
• The practice of burning waste is completely prohibited: possible exemptions
  are suspended.
• Maintenance or cleaning work with non-electric tools or with products based on organic solvents (white spirit, paint, varnish) must be postponed until the end of the pollution episode. The measure applies in green spaces and public gardens, but also in private places.

As for the transports, here are the measures decided by the prefecture:

• Vehicle pollution controls are strengthened.
• A temporary reduction in speed of 20 km/h is introduced on all roads in the department where the authorized speed limit is normally greater than or equal to 90 km/h, for all motor vehicles.
• Throughout the department, organizers of mechanical competitions are required to
  modify the format to reduce training and testing times by 50%.
• A differentiated circulation of vehicles is put in place on road goods transport vehicles with a GVWR (total authorized weight) of more than 3.5 tonnes. Only vehicles authorized to circulate are HGVs displaying an air quality certificate.
• Traffic regulations apply to vehicles with a GVWR (total authorized weight) of less than 3.5 tonnes. The only vehicles authorized to circulate are light vehicles and light utility vehicles displaying an air quality certificate.
• Fare reduction or free public transport for passengers.

Other measures concern industries or construction sectors. The prefecture also reminds that it is necessary to limit physical activities intense and seek advice if you feel any respiratory discomfort or cardiac.

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