On Sunday 23 March, Paris residents voted in favour of the “garden roads” project, a plan to pedestrianise and green 500 streets across the French capital. Notably, for the first time, individuals aged 16 and over were allowed to vote. While the project was backed by 66% of voters, only 4% of eligible voters participated.
The city will now begin determining which streets—between five and eight per arrondissement—will be transformed. Consultations in each arrondissement will start in April, followed by feasibility studies. The average estimated cost per street is €500,000, with implementation expected to take three to four years. Since 2020, 300 similar streets have already been created, including the “rues aux écoles” scheme, which is pedestrianising streets outside or close to schools.
These initiatives aim to address congestion and improve air quality in Paris by reducing car dependency. Other measures led by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo include the expansion of bike lanes and the introducion of “limited traffic zones” in the city centre, where private vehicles are prohibited, except for residents, delivery personnel, and people with disabilities.
In addition, Hidalgo has introduced a 50 km/h speed limit on the city’s ring road and plans to pedestrianise several well-known locations, such as the Champs-Elysées and the area surrounding the Eiffel Tower.
Author: Sara Mecatti
Views and opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and do not reflect those of the European Commission.
