France will force car ads to place messages encouraging cycling, walking
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A new law in France will force car companies to place messages in their ads that people should consider greener methods of transportation like walking, cycling and public transit.
Much like the "Please enjoy responsibly" disclaimers on ads for alcoholic beverages, or health warnings on cigarette packaging, car commercials will be required to display messages that encourage walking, cycling, carpooling or public transit.
These messages include "For short trips, choose to walk or cycle," "Think about carpooling," and "Take public transit daily."
"Decarbonizing transportation is not only switching to electric vehicles. It's also using, when possible, public transit or bicycles," tweeted Barbara Pompili, France's Minister for Ecological Transition.
The new regulations were passed on Tuesday and take effect on March 1. They will apply to ads on TV, in movie theatres, on billboards, in print, online and over radio.
