Voting Results: Paris Set to Turn 500 Streets into Pedestrian Zones
Prohibit textile-based vehicles on numerous roads within Paris - Parisians advocate for vehicular prohibition on numerous city streets
In a surprising turn of events, Paris residents have voiced their support for turning hundreds of the city's streets into pedestrian-only zones. The poll saw a clear majority favoring the creation of 500 car-free streets, despite a low turnout of nearly 1.4 million registered voters, with only 4% casting their votes [Source 1][Source 3].
These changes could take away approximately 10,000 parking spaces from the city, forcing drivers to take detours to reach their destinations [Source 1][Source 3]. The choice of which streets will be transformed will be left to the local communities in each of the 20 districts [Source 1].
Green Transition in Paris
Paris, under the leadership of Mayor Anne Hidalgo, has been on a mission to transition into a greener city for years. Already, about 220 streets in Paris are car-free, particularly near schools, and speed limits are reduced to 30 km/h in many areas [Source 1]. The city has set up a new low-traffic zone in the city center and is working to make it an example of green mobility for others [Source 1].
This vote marks the third time that Parisian residents have been asked to voice their opinions on transport policy changes, following the approval of banning rental e-scooters in April 2023 and increasing parking fees for heavy vehicles in February 2024 [Source 1]. However, both votes witnessed low participation levels.
Opposition Voices Concerns
The Paris city hall has put forth this vote as a choice between noisy, polluted streets and cleaner air. Mayor Hidalgo has emphasized that street greening is essential for combating climate change [Source 1].
The conservative opposition, however, has criticized the city government for what they see as propaganda, high costs, and misinformation about the impact of street closures on businesses and even emergency services [Source 1]. If the opposition wins the Paris elections scheduled for 2026, the implementation of the pedestrian zones could be at risk.
[Source 1]: (URL for more information about the vote results)[Source 2]: (URL for information about the Paris Respire initiative)[Source 3]: (URL for information about the current state and future plans for car-free zones in Paris)
- The community policy in Paris, with a focus on environment and greening, is expected to expand further, as over 500 streets are set to become pedestrian zones following a recent vote.
- Mayor Hidalgo's vision of a greener Paris includes reducing speed limits, establishing low-traffic zones, and the possible addition of 500 more car-free streets, which would limit the use of scooters and other vehicles in these areas, in line with Paris' Paris Respire initiative.
- Amidst the approval of the pedestrian zones plan, opposition parties have voiced concerns over the costs, potential negative effects on businesses, and the impact on emergency services, hinting at possible changes if they win the upcoming Paris elections in 2026.
