If there is one thing that drives a Parisian crazy, it is other people’s antisocial behaviour. Now the city authorities are planning a dedicated “incivility brigade” to hand out warnings and fines to persuade offenders to be better behaved. Until 2004, Paris also boasted a fleet of “Motocrottes”, motorised pooper-scooters that would pick up dog dirt. Each year, city hall employees collect 350 tonnes of cigarette butts from its 2,900km of pavements and 1,600 km of roads. Last year, city-hall agents issued 52,000 verbal warnings to residents, half for blocking the public highway and pavements.

Source: The Guardian June 13, 2016 13:36 UTC