Paris City Hall is ready to set up its limited traffic zone (ZTL) in the center of the capital from November. However, the project is not unanimous among traders and motorists.
Patrick Bloche, first deputy mayor of Paris, assured that the municipality is “ready” for the establishment of the limited traffic zone (ZTL) in the coming weeks in the center of Paris. “We are ready, all we have to do is press the button,” he replied to BFM Paris Île-de-France in September.
“The panels are being installed,” explained Patrick Bloche, who is aiming for a “start in the fall”.
The principle of the limited traffic zone is to prohibit through traffic in the central districts of the City of Lights. Concretely, drivers who do not stop in the ZTF sector will not have the right to cross it. The zone should concern the first four Parisian arrondissements with the exception of the two islands and the high quays.
Traders are gnashing their teeth
The ZFT includes Boulevard Sébastopol, one of the most popular routes for motorists with 350,000 vehicles crossing it daily. The end of transit traffic worries the traders affected by the project.
“It’s catastrophic. People clearly tell me that they no longer want to come to Paris at all, so it (the ZFT Editor’s note) has a huge impact on small businesses in Paris,” explains Thierry, an optician from the 2nd arrondissement of the capital. .
The perimeter of the future ZTL is equivalent to 4.7 km3, which will make it the largest in France. According to the town hall, 10% of Parisian establishments are concentrated there. “It’s something a little too big. We would have preferred it to be at least cut in two. We could have kept the Sevastopol axis with another serving the North and the South to make an opening”, estimates Thierry Véron, president of the Federation of Associations of Parisian Traders and Craftsmen.
Trader organizations fear a massive drop in customers. “This will impact all the surrounding districts,” he concludes.
“It’s starting to be a lot”
Among certain pedestrians, the project seems to arouse more enthusiasm. “I’m on foot so it’s very good. It’s just more pleasant to live in,” said a passerby interviewed by BFM Paris Île-de-France. “It’s perfect. For the air quality as well as the noise and tranquility,” underlines another person.
On the other hand, among motorists, the arrival of a ZTL is viewed negatively. “I’m a salesperson and it’s very annoying. I find that it stops people from coming, plus the 50 km/h that they want to impose on the ring road is starting to add up a lot,” annoys a driver.
David Belliard, deputy mayor in charge of transport, indicates that a “consultation took place” on the subject with in particular “a public inquiry in spring“.
“I reassure everyone. We will still be able to circulate in the area, residents, people with a reduced mobility card, workers in the area, delivery people, doctors, patients for medical consultation. We will still be able to attend shops and cultural activities We will always be able to visit relatives,” the elected official further clarified.
Agathe Albouy with Sylvain Allemand
