Paris Expands Car-Free Zones Following Recent Referendum
Approximately 500 additional streets in Paris to be pedestrianized as part of the city's green initiative.
In a recent referendum, residents of Paris voted to extend car-free zones within the city by closing off an additional 500 streets to vehicular traffic.
The results, announced on Monday, indicated that around two-thirds of voters supported the initiative, which is part of the city's broader 'garden road' scheme.
However, voter participation was notably low, with only 4% of the 1.4 million registered voters participating in the ballot.
Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who has championed measures to enhance the green spaces in the capital, noted that the vote reaffirms the administration's commitment to prioritizing pedestrian access and environmental sustainability in urban planning.
Christophe Najdovski, the deputy mayor responsible for green spaces, emphasized that the initiative aims to create a greener Paris.
Currently, Paris has around 220 streets designated as car-free, primarily located near schools.
As a result of the latest voting outcome, the city plans to remove approximately 10,000 parking spots.
Consultations with local communities are expected to take place in the coming weeks to determine specific streets targeted for pedestrianization.
The objective is to eliminate cars from roughly 25 streets in each of the city's 20 arrondissements, or administrative districts.
This referendum marks the third significant vote orchestrated by Mayor Hidalgo since she took office in 2014. Previous votes have led to the prohibition of e-scooters on busy streets and substantial increases in parking fees for sports utility vehicles (SUVs).
The recent vote has faced criticism from opposition parties, who have labeled it a publicity stunt.
Nelly Garnier, a member of the right-wing opposition, expressed concerns over the low turnout, suggesting that residents were disengaged from what she termed a public relations campaign orchestrated by the city administration.
Mayor Hidalgo has continually sought solutions to combat traffic congestion and improve air quality in Paris, implementing measures such as restricting traffic on one lane of the city's périphérique, or ring road, to car-sharing vehicles during peak hours and reducing the overall speed limit on some highways.
As she prepares for the 2026 mayoral election, these urban policies remain central to her agenda.
The results, announced on Monday, indicated that around two-thirds of voters supported the initiative, which is part of the city's broader 'garden road' scheme.
However, voter participation was notably low, with only 4% of the 1.4 million registered voters participating in the ballot.
Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who has championed measures to enhance the green spaces in the capital, noted that the vote reaffirms the administration's commitment to prioritizing pedestrian access and environmental sustainability in urban planning.
Christophe Najdovski, the deputy mayor responsible for green spaces, emphasized that the initiative aims to create a greener Paris.
Currently, Paris has around 220 streets designated as car-free, primarily located near schools.
As a result of the latest voting outcome, the city plans to remove approximately 10,000 parking spots.
Consultations with local communities are expected to take place in the coming weeks to determine specific streets targeted for pedestrianization.
The objective is to eliminate cars from roughly 25 streets in each of the city's 20 arrondissements, or administrative districts.
This referendum marks the third significant vote orchestrated by Mayor Hidalgo since she took office in 2014. Previous votes have led to the prohibition of e-scooters on busy streets and substantial increases in parking fees for sports utility vehicles (SUVs).
The recent vote has faced criticism from opposition parties, who have labeled it a publicity stunt.
Nelly Garnier, a member of the right-wing opposition, expressed concerns over the low turnout, suggesting that residents were disengaged from what she termed a public relations campaign orchestrated by the city administration.
Mayor Hidalgo has continually sought solutions to combat traffic congestion and improve air quality in Paris, implementing measures such as restricting traffic on one lane of the city's périphérique, or ring road, to car-sharing vehicles during peak hours and reducing the overall speed limit on some highways.
As she prepares for the 2026 mayoral election, these urban policies remain central to her agenda.
