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 journeys by default, but those with the lowest environmental impact. This modification is the result of the implementation of Decree No. 2022-1199, which requires digital travel assistance services to favor the least polluting routes.
The carbon footprint at the heart of the new directives
The decree states: “ 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 offer an alternative with a reduced speed of 20 km/h.
Thus, the carbon footprint of each journey is now visibly displayed on 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 this means that the journey will be longer. This initiative seeks to encourage more environmentally friendly driving by reducing CO2 emissions linked to road transport.
In addition to the ecological dimension, these changes also meet practical needs. For example, the Île-de-France region, aware of the risk of massive transport congestion during the Olympics, asked Google Maps to modify its operation to favor alternative routes.
The “Île-de-France Mobilités” application was specifically developed to streamline traffic and avoid traffic jams by not systematically offering the shortest routes. Laurent Probst, general director of the Île-de-France transport union, had also stressed to West France : « If they do not do so, the State will have to make the necessary decisions. They will be asked to close their application. This is a public safety issue. » A statement which shows the determination of the authorities to ensure transport as smooth and secure as possible.
The pressure exerted by Île-de-France Mobilités on Google Maps is explained by the importance of guaranteeing smooth and safe travel for the millions of tourists expected each year. The challenge is to decongest the main routes by distributing travelers on less direct routes but more efficient 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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