What's happened
As of November 4, 2024, Paris has enacted a traffic ban in its central districts, limiting vehicle access to residents, emergency services, and those with specific reasons for entry. This initiative aims to reduce pollution and promote cycling and public transport, following a decade of similar measures by Mayor Anne Hidalgo.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to the South China Morning Post, the new traffic rules are designed to limit through-traffic in central Paris, with Deputy Mayor Ariel Weil stating it aims to 'reduce and fluidify traffic for the good of public services, safety, residents, craftsmen and retailers.' The Guardian highlights that the initiative is part of a broader push by Mayor Hidalgo to encourage cycling and public transport use, noting that up to 50% of vehicles entering the zone are through-traffic. Critics, as reported by the South China Morning Post, argue that the restrictions may simply shift congestion to nearby areas, with Aurelien Veron from the 'Changer Paris' group predicting 'an almighty mess.'
How we got here
The traffic restrictions are part of Mayor Anne Hidalgo's long-term strategy to reduce car usage in Paris, which has included expanding cycling infrastructure and pedestrian zones over the past decade. The new rules were initially promised during her 2020 re-election campaign.
More on these topics
-
Ana María "Anne" Hidalgo Aleu is a Spanish-French politician serving as Mayor of Paris since 2014. She is the first woman to hold the office.
-
Paris is the capital and most populous city of France, with an estimated population of 2,150,271 residents as of 2020, in an area of 105 square kilometres.