Parisians voted in a recent referendum to pedestrianize an additional 500 streets in the city, furthering the left-leaning town hall's initiative to reduce car usage and enhance air quality.
Approximately 65.96% of voters supported the measure, while 34.04% opposed it. Voter turnout was low, with only 4.06% participating in the municipality-organized consultation.
This marked the third referendum in Paris within as many years, following a vote in 2023 that approved changes to pedestrian areas and a decision last year regarding large SUVs.
The referendum will result in the removal of 10,000 parking spots, contributing to the 10,000 spots eliminated since 2020. The city's two million residents will be consulted on which specific streets will be designated as pedestrian areas.
Data from the Paris town hall indicates that car traffic has decreased by more than half since the Socialists came to power at the beginning of the century.
The additional 500 streets will bring the total count of these "green lungs" to nearly 700, representing just over one-tenth of the capital's streets.
Despite these developments, Paris still trails behind other European capitals in terms of green infrastructure, which includes private gardens, parks, tree-lined streets, and wetlands, covering only 26% of the city's area compared to an average of 41% in other European capitals.