Chamonix Pollution, Hollande Addresed

Some 84 doctors in the Mont Blanc region have written to the French president, François Hollande, to request urgent measures to limit the valleys exposure to pollution from goods vehicles.

If Francois Hollande wants to secure some popularity from the Chamoniards he ought to come up with a pollution solution.

In a letter dated January 6th, petitioners have obtained the signatures of 84 doctors to call for "urgent measures to limit population exposure to PM10 (fine particulate matter) and NOx (nitrogen oxide)" in the Arve valley.
Recalling the recent peaks of pollution where the Atmosphere Protection Plan has so far been ineffective.
The plan has limited the speed restriction on the motorway, reduced from 130 km/h to 110 km/h for regular traffic, however the speed limits for the main offenders the HGV's have not been restricted.

The medical professionals have called for the dis-allowance of Euro type 3 lorries in the valley, demanding that the economic benefits of road transport should not be prioritised above that of the health costs related to the pollution.

For more on this subject, we'd recommend reading the Mountain Spirit Guide's Blog who give a healthy round-up of the Chamonix pollution issues.

Inspire have also launched a letter-petition in favour of measures to improve air quality in the Mont-Blanc area, they are looking to obtain 10,000 signatures to get noticed.