More space for pedestrians, less for cars – the Parisians voted for this at the weekend. Hundreds of streets are to be converted into pedestrian zones. Paris has been driving the turnover of traffic ahead for years.
The residents of Paris voted to block hundreds of streets of the city for cars. In a citizens' survey, a clear majority advocated creating 500 new car -free roads. Just four percent of the almost 1.4 million registered voters took part in the vote.
In the coming years, 10,000 parking spaces could be lost in Paris. Drivers would have to adjust to detours. Which streets become the green pedestrian zone should now be clarified locally. There should be about 25 in each of the 20 districts.
Paris has been driving a traffic transition for years
For years, Paris has been trying for a green traffic transition under the Mayor of Socialist Anne Hidalgo and is considered a model for many. Around 220 of the more than 6,000 Paris roads are already car -free. Especially near schools, some cars are allowed to drive. In large parts of the city there is speed 30, and there is now a zone in the city center in which through traffic is prohibited.
It was the third time that Paris asked its residents to the ballot box in transport policy. In April 2023, the city had the ban on the ban on e-trollers to borrow and in February 2024 via higher parking fees for heavy cars. The participation was very low.
Opposition against road closures
The Paris City Hall had also declared the vote to be a choice for or against noise pollution and pollution. Hidalgo emphasized that with the greening of the road could also be done against the consequences of climate change.
The conservative opposition, on the other hand, had accused the city government of Propaganda, high costs and a communication campaign and warned that the road closures could restrict retailers and even the emergency services. If it won the Paris election 2026, the conversion of the streets into pedestrian zones could be on the brink.
