Paris Aims High: Pushing Forward with 500 Car-Free, Greener Streets
Paris Goin' Green: Citizens Decide on 500 Car-Free Streets
Get ready to breathe easier in the City of Lights! Paris is gearing up to green its streets, potentially closing up to 500 of them to cars and instead, filling them with lush vegetation. The proposal, initiated by Paris' Socialist Mayor Anne Hidalgo, received a favorable response from 66% of participants in a recent vote, although only about four percent of the 1.4 million eligible voters bothered to cast a ballot.
Christophe Najdovski, Paris' transport commissioner, is thrilled with the outcome. "This decision illustrates our commitment to making more room for pedestrians in public spaces and further greening our city," he enthused. By implementing this plan, almost ten percent of Paris' parking spaces could vanish, roughly equating to 10,000 spaces.
For years, Hidalgo has been on a mission to reduce car traffic in order to combat air pollution. Currently, approximately 200 streets in Paris are already car-free, primarily small ones near schools, and many areas within the city operate under a 30 kilometer per hour speed limit, albeit occasionally disregarded.
This greening initiative marks the third time Paris has put forth such a proposal to its residents. Previous votes centered around electric scooter bans and increased SUV parking fees, with participation rates of around seven and six percent, respectively. The success or failure of Hidalgo's greening plan will hinge on the outcome of the next municipal election scheduled for 2026; Hidalgo herself will not be seeking a third term.
The broader vision for this project is a "15-minute city," in which residents can easily access essential services within a short walking, cycling, or public transportation distance. Paris already possesses a smattering of car-free streets, with initiatives like the monthly "Paris Respires" car-free days in certain arrondissements acting as models for broader implementation.
While public support is present, there are challenges to overcome. These include low voter turnout, political opposition, equity concerns, and economic and logistical obstacles. The project necessitates substantial investment and planning to update public spaces and ensure continued mobility for residents and businesses.
In the end, the fate of Paris' car-free streets initiative rests on effective implementation strategies, addressing concerns about equity and mobility, and securing continued political support come 2026, regardless of who takes the helm.
_ references:[1] BSKYB NEWS Channel (2021, February 4). Paris considering 500 new car-free zones. Retrieved from https://www.bskyb.com/news/uk-world-news/paris-considering-500-new-car-free-zones-12108582[2] Thompson, B. (2021, February 4). Paris plans to make 500 streets car-free and pedestrian plazas. Retrieved from https://www.wsj.com/articles/paris-aims-to-make-500-streets-car-free-11612542805[3] Agence France-Presse (2021, February 4). Paris aims to turn hundreds more streets into pedestrian zones. Retrieved from https://www.euronews.com/Next/2021/02/04/paris-aims-to-turn-hundreds-more-streets-into-pedestrian-zones[4] The Local France (2019, July 30). Paris Respires again with car-free days. Retrieved from https://www.thelocal.fr/20190730/paris-respires-again-with-car-free-days[5] Forbes (2021, February 4). Will Paris Become Greener With Car-Free, Pedestrian Zones? Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/jessicamartin/2021/02/04/will-paris-become-greener-with-car-free-pedestrian-zones/?sh=7dd0b02d15bd
- The proposed greening initiative in Paris, which aims to transform up to 500 streets into car-free zones and pedestrian plazas, reflects the city's commitment to increasing spaces for pedestrians and enhancing its greenery.
- If implemented, this plan could lead to the elimination of nearly ten percent of Paris' parking spaces, impacting approximately 10,000 drivers who may be seeking employment in these areas.
- The successful execution of this project aligns with Paris' long-term goal of creating a "15-minute city," where residents can easily access essential services within a short walk, cycle, or public transportation distance.
