The Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) came into force this Monday, November 4, 2024 in the heart of Paris, prohibiting motorized vehicles from crossing the first four arrondissements if they do not have a specific reason to go there. What vehicles are allowed? How will the checks take place? And what are the exceptions? What documents should you provide? This guide answers the main questions.
Since this Monday November 4Paris inaugurated its Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th districts to reduce the circulation of transit. This initiative excludes motorized vehicles not justifying a legitimate stop in this area. Delimited by emblematic places, this ZTL should lastingly change traffic habits in the city center, while aiming to reduce noise pollution and air pollution. We take stock of all the questions you have.
When does the ZTL start in Paris?
The Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) took effect on Monday November 4, 2024, in the hypercenter of Paris. This project aims to restrict the circulation of motorized vehicles in the first four arrondissements, with the exception of those with a specific reason to go there. Vehicles in simple transit are therefore invited to bypass this perimeter.
What is the area concerned?
The ZTL includes the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th districts of the capital. This area is delimited by well-known arteries: to the west, Place de la Concorde and Rue Royale; to the north, the boulevards de la Madeleine, Capucines, Montmartre and Bonne Nouvelle; to the east, Place de la République and Place de la Bastille; to the south, the quays between Quai Henri IV and Quai des Tuileries. However, certain sectors such as the high quays of the right bank and the Îles de la Cité and Saint-Louis remain excluded from this restriction.
Who is affected by this limitation?
This device limited traffic zone (ZTL) now prohibited to motorized vehicles to cross the center of Paris in transit mode, barring exceptions, and this, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Non-stop crossing in this area is no longer authorized: it must now be bypassed. THE cyclists, scooters and other active modes are not affected by this measure, thus responding to the desire to promote gentler modes of transport in the city.
Who can travel there?
The ZTL is intended to allow access only for local services and trips whose destination is located within the perimeter. Here are some examples of situations allowing you to enter and park a car in this zone:
- Live in the area;
- Work there;
- Make deliveries;
- Go to a medical consultation;
- Go to a store or business;
- Visit friends or family;
- Go to the cinema;
- Carry out a professional intervention or repair.
What vehicles are authorized by exemption?
- Rescue and emergency vehicles;
- Buses, taxis and VTC;
- Vehicles for people with reduced mobility;
- Healthcare professional vehicles;
- Residents of the districts concerned.
In addition to the vehicles mentioned above, some workers having a special permission and the delivery vehicles will also be able to access the ZTL subject to provisional or permanent proof. This system will make it possible to verify the legitimacy of travel without disrupting essential services. A three-month adaptation phase has been announced in order to raise awareness among motorists.
How do you know if you are in a ZTL?
Each access to a ZTL is marked by a sign explicitly signaling entry into a restricted traffic zone. This sign displays a white circle with a red border on a white background, indicating the traffic restriction.
How is the ZTL monitored?
The municipality is setting up a control phase which will begin with an educational period of three months. During this time, motorists will be made aware of the new rules, but no fines will be applied. After this period, an automated control system based on cameras and defined crossing points will be activated. Motorists will also have to register online and obtain a traffic certificate if their travel is authorized. Drivers will then have to justify their presence in the area by providing proof such as purchase tickets, restaurant or theater receipts.
What supporting documents or certification?
To circulate in the limited traffic zone (ZTL) in Paris, a system of supporting documents is being prepared in order to prove that we have a legitimate reason to be there. During the “educational” months, motorists will be able to use a simple parking ticket as temporary proof of their presence in the area or proof of reservation. Ultimately, Paris town hall and the police headquarters are working on setting up a more permanent verification system, which could include a application mobile or a QR code. This type of control would be reinforced by plate reading radars to monitor entries into the ZTL, a measure already adopted in Italy in cities like Milan and Turin, where fines of 100 euros punish violators.
Do GPS or travel apps notify us?
GPS applications take into account the new ZTL regulations in Paris, but unevenly. Google Maps now marks the area with a blue border and a warning for the affected journeys. Waze goes further by allowing the application to be adapted according to their profile, thus facilitating their circulation in the ZTL. However, Apple Maps does not currently offer any specific warnings or information about this area, and no updates have been announced at this time.
What is the fine for violations of the ZTL?
Violators are exposed to a fine of €135 in the event of unjustified circulation in the ZTL. Once the control system is active, infractions will be detected by the cameras and systematically sanctioned to discourage non-compliant behavior.
In short, the ZTL in Paris marks a major upheaval in the capital's mobility policies, aiming to reduce automobile traffic, noise pollution et air pollution by limiting access to unnecessary vehicles in the heart of Paris. This is not without causing concern among traders and surrounding areas who fear the postponement of traffic on their streets.
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