Although it comes into force today, the new ZTL in Paris is not unanimous. We explain everything to you!
Since becoming head of Paris town hall, Anne Hidalgo has stepped up measures against motorists, in order to dissuade them from venturing into the capital. We are obviously thinking of the increase in the price of parking and the reduction of spaces, but also of the pedestrianization of certain lanes and the reduction of the speed limit on the ring road. But that’s obviously not all!
A measure that does not pass in Paris
In fact, the councilor has just presented a new measure, which had already been mentioned for several years. Thus, this materializes through the establishment of a limited traffic zone (ZTL) in the center of the capital, which has just come into force, from Monday November 4. This new regulation aims to restrict through traffic, in line with the town hall’s commitments for a city more accessible to pedestrians and soft modes of transport. However, if this decision is in line with the actions undertaken by the municipality, it causes a stir among opposition elected officials and certain road users, who fear an impact on the quality of life of Parisians and the local economy. The surprise lies not so much in the concept of the ZTL, already mentioned many times in municipal projects, but in the timetable for its application. The prefectural decree, published only last Thursday, October 31, leaves Parisians and users with barely four days to adapt to this major change.
The opposition speaks
Several residents and motorists are surprised by the lack of information and such a short time between the official announcement and the actual implementation. Many claim to have only learned of this restriction through the media, without having been sufficiently informed in advance. On the side of the opposition, the establishment of the ZTL arouses strong criticism. The “Changer Paris” group, bringing together Republicans, centrists and independents, deplores a measure “at odds with the objective of an easier city to live in”. For these elected officials, the restrictions imposed on movement risk further complicating mobility in Paris. According to Aurélien Véron, Paris councilor and metropolitan elected to Paris Center, “this ZTL comes in addition to the closure of bridges and roadside investmentsmeasures which are gradually paralyzing the city.” The opposition also fears for the local economy, in particular for shops, artisans and small businesses which depend on increased accessibility. In a press release, Changer Paris warns of “worrying consequences” for traders, in a central sector already “fragile and damaged”.
The decision to maintain the circulation of tourist buses in this area is also controversial. Some elected officials denounce a policy which, according to them, favors visitors to the detriment of residents. For them, “we are creating a logic of eviction of Parisians by tourists”. According to them, if the pedestrianization of the historic center can benefit tourists, local residents risk feeling sidelined, particularly in their own neighborhood .
Source: www.autoplus.fr
