Particulate pollution: speed limits in place in Hauts-de-France until this Sunday

The Hauts-de-France region is affected by fine particle pollution until this Sunday, March 8. Several measures are being implemented to protect residents during the alert period. Speed limits will be in effect on roads from Saturday, March 7th, through Sunday, March 8th, in the Nord, Pas-de-Calais, Oise, and Somme departments, due to a persistent episode of PM10 pollution (particles with a diameter of less than 10 µm). From Saturday at 6:00 PM to Sunday at 11:59 PM, the maximum speed limit will be reduced to 110 km/h on sections of highways normally limited to 130 km/h, and to 90 km/h on sections of highways, national roads, and departmental roads normally limited to 130 km/h. speed limits are reduced to 110 km/h, according to a press release from the Hauts-de-France prefecture.

The maximum authorized speed is reduced to 80 km/h for heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.

These measures aim to "reduce pollutant emissions into the atmosphere and limit their effects on human health and the environment," the prefecture specifies.

Poor dispersion of pollutants

According to the air quality monitoring organization Atmo Hauts-de-France, this pollution episode is explained "in addition to emissions from our territory" by "a Arrival of air masses laden with particles from Eastern Europe, as well as Saharan dust, present since Friday.

Current weather conditions—weak winds, above-average seasonal temperatures, and dense fog—do not allow for good dispersion of pollutants in the air and promote the formation of secondary particles, adds Atmo Hauts-de-France.

The prefectural decree also prohibits, during the same period, the open burning of green waste, and for the agricultural sector, the practice of slash-and-burn agriculture (burning to maintain soil) and the open burning of agricultural by-products.