Residents of Paris have voted in favor of closing 500 additional streets to cars, continuing the city’s push toward a more pedestrian-friendly environment. However, voter turnout in the referendum was low, with only 4% of the nearly 1.4 million registered voters participating.
Despite the low turnout, 65% of those who voted supported the initiative, while 34% opposed it, according to official figures. The plan, spearheaded by Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s administration, will result in the removal of 10,000 parking spots, with further consultations set to determine which streets will become pedestrian zones. Currently, Paris has 220 car-free streets out of its more than 6,000.
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The opposition has criticized the initiative, arguing that the project is costly and pledging to challenge it if they win the 2026 municipal elections.
The move is part of a broader effort to reduce car traffic in the French capital, following the 2023 ban on rental e-scooters and the introduction of car restrictions in the city center. Paris has also adjusted parking fees based on vehicle size, though this measure applies only to visitors.
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Despite these steps, Paris remains behind other European capitals in terms of green infrastructure. Green spaces cover just 26% of the city, compared to an average of 41% in other European capitals, according to Reuters.