Paris Votes on Removing Cars from Hundreds of Streets

In a significant move towards reshaping urban mobility, residents of Paris are being asked to decide whether to prohibit cars from hundreds of streets across the city. This initiative is part of a broader strategy aimed at enhancing pedestrian accessibility and reducing pollution.

Historically, the streets of Paris have been heavily dominated by automobiles, but recent trends show that walking has become the preferred mode of transport for many Parisians. Currently, nearly two-thirds of all trips in the city are made on foot. Despite a decline in car usage by nearly 50% since 2002, vehicles still occupy more than half of the public space within the urban environment.

The city government has made strides in this area, including implementing speed limits of 30 km/h in many districts, creating car-free zones on Sundays, and converting over 220 streets into pedestrian-only areas, particularly around schools. This shift is also aligned with Paris's commitment to combat climate change, transforming some urban spaces into green zones amidst a densely built environment.

On the day of the vote, approximately 1.4 million registered voters will determine the fate of 500 additional streets slated for car exclusion. This initiative is expected to eliminate 10,000 parking spots, requiring drivers to adjust their routes accordingly. Notably, this vote allows participation from 16- and 17-year-olds, reflecting an effort to engage younger citizens in civic decision-making.

If the community supports this initiative, each of the city's 20 districts could expect around 25 new pedestrian streets. Specific streets targeted for this transformation have yet to be identified, and the implementation is projected to take three to four years, according to Patrick Bloche, the deputy mayor.

However, the upcoming elections in Paris could influence the future of this initiative. Should conservative parties gain control from the current socialist administration, the continuation of car-free policies may be in jeopardy. Critics have labeled the public vote as a mere publicity stunt, arguing that it imposes excessive restrictions on various groups, including local businesses and emergency services, and raises concerns over associated costs, estimated to reach EUR250 million.

Conversely, city officials advocate for the initiative by emphasizing its potential to create more space for pedestrians, reduce noise pollution, and encourage civic participation. Previous public consultations regarding urban mobility have seen low voter turnout, with only about 7.5% participating in past votes. This time, officials hope to achieve a higher engagement rate, viewing any participation as a positive outcome.

Unlike Paris, German cities lack similar frameworks for citizen-led street closures, as regulations require comprehensive assessments of road usage that consider all stakeholders, including merchants and residents. Many urban areas in Germany are also pursuing improved transportation mixes, which include street closures for motor vehicles when they align with local transport strategies. However, the need for enhanced public transport systems remains a critical challenge, compounded by financial constraints at the municipal level.