Users of Waze and Google Maps will notice – if they haven’t already – a change in route recommendations. From now on, these applications no longer offer the shortest trips by default, but those with the least environmental impact. This change is the result of the implementation of Decree No. 2022-1199, which imposes digital travel assistance services to favor the least polluting routes.
The carbon footprint at the heart of the new directives
The decree says: ” Digital services that aim to facilitate multimodal travel highlight route proposals with the lowest impact in terms of greenhouse gas emissions. » It also adds that when the route includes a portion where the maximum authorized speed is greater than or equal to 110 km/h, the applications must propose an alternative with a speed reduced to 20 km/h.
Thus, the carbon footprint of each trip is now visible displayed in Waze and Google Maps, allowing users to choose their routes with full knowledge of the facts. These applications highlight the most ecological journeys, even if in return it means that the journey will be longer. This initiative seeks to encourage more environmentally friendly driving, reducing CO2 emissions linked to road transport.
In addition to the ecological dimension, these changes also meet practical needs, especially in view of the Olympic Games in Paris 2024 The Île-de-France region, aware of the risk of massive traffic congestion during this event, has asked Google Maps to modify its. operation to favor alternative routes.
The “Paris Public Transport 2024” application was specifically developed to simplify traffic and avoid congestion by systematically offering the shortest routes. Laurent Probst, director general of the transport union of Île-de-France, had also underlined Western France : ” If they do not do so, the State will have to take the necessary decisions. You will be asked to close your application. This is a public safety issue. » A statement that shows the determination of the authorities to ensure the most fluid and safe transport possible during the Olympics.
The pressure exerted by Île-de-France Mobilités on Google Maps is explained by the importance of guaranteeing a smooth and safe journey for the expected millions of visitors. The challenge is to decongest the main routes by distributing travelers on less direct but more efficient routes in terms of traffic management.
These measures are part of a more global ecological transition strategy. By promoting less polluting journeys, Waze and Google Maps encourage drivers to adopt more sustainable travel habits. This could, in the long term, contribute to a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
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