Washing stations maintain their activity despite the drought in Lyon
In a “drought crisis” situation, the Rhône department applies several restrictions on the use of water. In particular, individuals no longer have the right to wash their vehicle. However, some persist in going to car washes.
“Forbidden to wash for individuals”. Posters placed at different locations in this washing station, located in Pierre Bénite in the Lyon area, inform of the decree. on Wednesday August 10, most of the Rhône department fell to “crisis” level in the face of drought. Many water restrictions have since been in force to save the resource.
Among them, the ban on washing your car for individuals. Only medical vehicles such as ambulances or technical vehicles such as cement mixers have exemptions. In the event of non-compliance with this prohibition, individuals are liable to a fine of 5e the class amounts to €1,500 if it is the first call to order.
In force for almost a week, this restriction is not known to all. This is the case of Clarisse, place to clean her vehicle this Tuesday morning. “I haven’t heard of it but I understand the decree with everything that’s going on at the moment”she considers, ready to stop washing her car for the next few weeks. “It’s not essential, I don’t see any problem with it.”
Some do not see themselves stopping the washing of their vehicle, like Franck, a convenience store. “With bad weather, the vehicle gets dirty quickly. To arrive in front of customers, it must be clean.” However, he says he has reduced his washing rate. “Before, I had it several times a week. Now, once a week.”
Eric Marcoccia, owner of this car wash located in Pierre-Bénite, has decided to keep his establishment open for service vehicles. According to him, the restrictions are having a negative impact on his clientele. “It is a hassle”, he confides. He does not see himself stopping his activity, without support from the State. “If the state compensates us, I’m going on vacation. But it has to be done. It’s up to him to find the solution.”
For the moment there is no device in case of cessation of activity. Only stations that reuse water in closed circuits are not affected by the prefectural decree.