Share

Paris is preparing for a new urban shift: 500 streets will gradually be closed to car traffic to make room for pedestrians, cyclists, and green spaces. The decision stems from a consultative referendum held on March 23 2025, in which 66% of voters supported the project promoted by Mayor Anne Hidalgo (term ending in 2026). Despite a low turnout — only 4% of eligible voters participated — the mayor announced the immediate launch of feasibility studies, marking yet another step in the city's ecological transition.

Parking spaces to be removed

The plan involves interventions in each of Paris’s 20 arrondissements, with 6 to 8 streets closed per district and an estimated 10,000 parking spaces to be removed. These will be replaced by new public green areas, bike lanes, and pedestrian zones. The works are expected to take three to four years, with an investment of about €500,000 per street.

More liveability

Recent public consultations—ranging from the ban on rental e-scooters to increased parking fees for SUVs—reflect a clear policy direction: less space for private vehicles, more liveability. Still, criticism persists. Opponents argue that the city pushed the referendum without providing clear details on the impact it would have on traffic, particularly for suburban residents and commuters. The “no” vote prevailed in a few conservative central districts, such as the 7th, 8th, and 16th arrondissements.

Permeable infrastructure

Despite opposition, the transformation of the Ville Lumière into a “Ville Pédestre” is moving forward. Yet Paris still lags behind other European capitals in terms of permeable infrastructure: only 26% of the city’s surface area is occupied by parks, tree-lined streets, and water features, compared to the European average of 41%.

Source: Domusweb