Paris Just Voted to BAN Cars on 500 More Streets — Drivers Are FURIOUS!
Major Urban Transformation Ahead
Paris has taken a significant step towards a more pedestrian-friendly city following a March 23, 2025 referendum. Nearly 66% of voters supported the plan to pedestrianize 500 additional streets throughout the capital.
This initiative continues the city’s ongoing efforts to reduce vehicle traffic and improve urban living conditions. The pedestrianization project will eliminate 10,000 parking spaces, adding to the 10,000 already removed since 2020. Residents will have input on which streets will be converted.
The recent vote marks the third public referendum on urban mobility issues in Paris within three years. Previous referendums resulted in:
- 2023: Ban on e-scooters
- 2024: Tripling of parking fees for large SUVs
Once implemented, these changes will bring the total number of pedestrian-friendly “green lungs” to approximately 700 streets, representing just over 10% of all streets in Paris. This transformation aligns with a broader trend in the city, where car traffic has decreased by more than half since 2000.
Despite these improvements, Paris still trails behind other European capitals regarding green infrastructure. Currently, only 26% of the city area consists of elements like:
- Private gardens
- Public parks
- Tree-lined streets
- Water features and wetlands
This percentage falls significantly below the European capital average of 41%. The pedestrianization initiative represents an important step toward closing this gap and creating a more environmentally sustainable urban environment.
The municipality’s focus on reducing vehicle presence reflects changing priorities in urban planning, emphasizing quality of life and environmental concerns over vehicle accommodation.
