The measure was as much expected as criticized. The Paris town hall published this Thursday a decree establishing a limited traffic zone (ZTL) in the hypercenter of Paris, which will come into force on Monday, November 4. From next week, this area of approximately 5.5 km2 will no longer be authorized for cars, trucks and motorized two-wheelers only crossing the first four districts of the capital.
Only emergency vehicles, buses, taxis, people with reduced mobility, motorists residing or working there will be authorized, as well as all “destination” traffic, namely those whose point of departure and arrival is in the sector (for a medical appointment, going shopping, to the cinema, etc.).
Like several European capitals
Postponed several times, the implementation of the ZTL is a campaign commitment from the socialist mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, to “liberate public space” occupied by cars and reduce pollution, as several have done. major European cities (Madrid, Milan, Rome, etc.) in their central districts.
Since the announcement of the project in May 2021, its perimeter has been the subject of difficult negotiations with the police headquarters, which co-signed the decree published Thursday. Initially included, the neighborhoods located between Boulevard Saint-Germain and the Seine on the left bank were removed from the perimeter, as were the Îles de la Cité and Saint-Louis, the high quays of the right bank.
Obtain a reduction in noise and pollution
Paris City Hall expects a “substantial” reduction in traffic volume on the busiest arteries, with -30% on Avenue de l'Opéra and -15% on Boulevard de Sébastopol, according to the study by impact she led. It also anticipates a reduction in noise and an improvement in air quality thanks to a reduction in nitrogen dioxide concentrations.
“There will be a first phase of education, before a second phase of control and verbalization” with a system of resident cards and online self-declaration, said the town hall.
