The French Capital Announces the Ban of Cars
In a time like today’s, we are relied on vehicles to get almost everything done such as travelling to the office, running to shops, moving from one place to another. And, honestly, it is such a headache to be in this state. In addition to this state, getting into some kind of car trouble or heavy traffic is also a bonus.
To tackle this situation, some cities have introduced new tolls and taxes so that the number of vehicles on road can be reduced. Moreover, some cities have also introduced closing streets for pedestrian access. When almost every other city is tackling the situation in some certain ways, one of the major cities has proved itself one step ahead in this. The major city has announced that it is going to ban almost every car in certain areas in the coming years.
Paris, on Feb 17 has announced that it would be introducing a ban on cars in some of the areas of the city. Such a big and major decision has been taken considering France’s situation. That’s right! Paris, the capital city of France has been struggling with notorious traffic. Hence, to save it from traffic’s shackles, it had become necessary to take this decision. However, this new rule will come into effect in the year 2024.
According to this plan, almost all of the metropolitan centres will become a ‘car-free zone.’ Furthermore, The Points Guy reports that most of Paris’ first through fourth arrondissements will be included in the plan. Paris is the most bustling tourist and residential city in the country. The most famous attractions of France are also situated here such as Louvre, Sainte-Chappelle, Tuileries Garden and the Marais district etc.
The new plan has not caused much panic among the citizens as city officials have declared there will not be a complete rid of the vehicles from the streets. They have further clarified that the local inhabitants will still be able to drive and park their cars in the area.
In other words, the real goal of this ban is to eliminate the constant flow of cars within the city centre. The deputy mayor of Paris, David Belliard, who is in charge of the transformation of public space and mobility, has stated that ‘we want destination traffic for people who have something to do there; shopping, going to the doctor, to the restaurant etc.’ He additionally mentions that delivery drivers will have no interruption in the access.
Interestingly, the city officials had initially decided to regulate this rule in 2022 only. Their first goal was to improve air quality. Second, to reduce jamming prior to the city’s hosting duties for the Summer Olympic Games in 2024. But, Emmanuel Gregoire, the first deputy mayor of Paris, said that the new protocols had to be delayed until the city could extend the calendar for legal reasons.
Although the city hasn’t announced how it will implement the new rules, their current plan is to check random spots for proof of their visit such as a receipt when they leave the area. Additionally, in order to keep track of citizens’ licence plates, cameras are also probable to be installed. Last but not the least, the city will also issue heavy fines to those drivers who violate the ‘car-free zone’ protocols.
Paris has already banned cars in some of its areas and has recently mounted more bike lanes. Therefore, the banning of cars in 2024 is not the first and new attempt by the city official. The Verge reports have conveyed that Mayor Anne Hidalgo has introduced more than a hundred miles of new bike paths during the pandemic lockdowns. It was meant to encourage cyclists to ditch their vehicles in favour of more cycling. City officials also banned cars from driving along a two-mile stretch of road along the Seine in 2017 so that pedestrians would have a designated area and air pollution would be reduced.
Author: Simran K Parmar
A post graduate in English Literature, secular humanist, critical thinker, an outspoken atheist, follower of equality and a lover of philosophy. craftedfashion94@gmail.com
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