French car makers will be required to include messages in their advertising urging customers to prioritize walking, cycling or public transport.

The rules, which are similar to those applied to food and drink adverts to encourage healthy eating, will be compulsory from March on television, radio and the internet.

The messaging must also include a hashtag that translates as #MoveAndPolluteLess.

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There are three slogans from which marketers can choose: "Consider carpooling"; "For daily use, take public transport"; or "For short trips, walk or cycle."

All types of car will be affected by the ruling, and CO2 emissions levels will also need to be included.

Since hosting the groundbreaking 2015 talks resulting in the Paris Agreement on climate change, France as sought to position itself as a world leader in green policies.