While we are in the middle of the festive period, the new year is already upon us. As with every new year, there is change in France. Starting with the increase in the price of metro tickets as well as a restriction on restaurant vouchers for employees.
There are also a lot of changes on the roads. Like inter-lane traffic, a common practice among motorcyclists and scooter riders, will end on December 31, 2024 in France, or a European directive which threatens to transform free motorways into paid roads in several countries of the European Union.
In 2025, new measures should come into force and force motorists to take their foot off the roads. We take stock.
Slow on the roads in 2025
Drivers have already been told to slow down on the roads in recent months. Among the measures that have caused uproar is the speed limit to 50 km/h on the Paris ring road since October 2024.
Overall, the government seeks to reduce road accidents, road deaths but also Co2 emissions. Despite everything, motorists are far from happy and these measures are generally not unanimous.
Among the changes to be expected on the roads from January 1, 2025, there is the generation of zones limited to 70 km/h on many national and departmental roads. This limitation would aim to better preserve local ecosystems and reduce pollution in sensitive areas.
What about cities? In the city centers of several metropolises, such as Paris, Grenoble and Lille, the limit has increased to 30 km/h. The result seems to be conclusive, which could encourage other cities to take the plunge. The idea behind this change is to reduce noise pollution and improve air quality for the inhabitants of these towns.
Finally, the arrival of the intelligent speed limiter in 2025 should change the habits of many motorists. This device is capable of reading traffic signs and automatically adapting the vehicle’s speed according to the speed limits in force. Since July 2024, the intelligent speed limiter has been mandatory on new vehicles.
