Paris: 500 streets should be completely car -free

Hundreds of Paris roads are to be closed to cars in the future. For this, there was a clear majority at a citizen survey in the French capital at the weekend.

However, just four percent of the almost 1.4 million registered voters took part in the vote. Now it is about implementation, said the Mayor of Paris Anne Hidalgo. But despite the election success, the project is not yet dry.

Specifically, the Parisians voted to green 500 streets and make up for cars. 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. The implementation will probably take three to four years.

The Paris City Hall had also declared the vote to be a choice for or against noise pollution and pollution. He is also concerned with adapting to climate change. Most paths cover the Parisians on foot, they rarely use the car on inner -city routes.

Car traffic in Paris has dropped by almost 50 percent since 2002. Nevertheless, according to the city planning office, cars still take more than half of the public space.

For years, Paris has been working for a green traffic transition under his socialist mayor Hidalgo and is considered a model for many. Around 220 of the more than 6000 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.

With the citizens’ survey at the weekend, Paris had its residents decided in transport policy for the third time. In April 2023, the city had the ban on the ban on e-scooters to borrow and in February 2024 via higher parking fees for heavy cars. The participation was also extremely low at the time.

Despite the numerous advantages that the town hall praises, not all for the creation of new car -free roads. The majority of the residents voted in three districts. The conservative opposition also warned that the road closures could restrict retailers and even the emergency services. In addition, enormous costs are associated.

The city government accused the conservative propaganda and a communication campaign. With the advertising of “garden streets”, she sold the citizens for stupid.

The criticism is particularly relevant because the election in Paris will be elected next year. The conservatives could then take over the town hall. It is uncertain whether you will continue the conversion of the car -free roads. However, Hidalgo says that the vote gives a clear indication of the orientation of the Parisians. They wanted more greening.

Even though German cities like to squint to Paris, a procedure like here in Germany would be unthinkable. Because in Germany streets cannot be blocked by citizenship, but describes on a procedure for developing, as Helmut Dedy, managing director of the German City Day. The interests of all street users would be taken into account – including from dealers.

However, many German cities have long been trying to make a good traffic mix. “This can also include the blocking of roads for motorized traffic if it fits the traffic concept on site.” But it is clear: “If we want less car traffic, then we need more public transport, with good clocks and good accessibility.” Here it was hake, because the financial situation of the cities is dramatic. They would need more financial support from the federal and state governments for local public transport.