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As the 2024 school year begins, the VEST PARIS editorial team brings you updates on the latest developments in traffic and mobility. Today, we're focusing on Paris and its suburbs, and not everyone will like it...
The Paris ring road at 50 km/h
By October 1, 2024, Paris City Hall plans to lower the maximum speed on the ring road from 70 to 50 km/h. That's its plan, at least, but it's currently being held back by the new Minister of Transport, François Durovray.
This decision, although justified to improve air quality and reduce noise pollution, has not failed to provoke the ire of motorists, a large proportion of whom are from the Paris region rather than Paris.
The standoff has begun between the State and Anne Hidalgo, who claims to have legal power.
Parking prices are soaring across Paris
If you own an SUV in Paris, a thermal or hybrid car weighing more than 1.6 tonnes, or an electric car weighing more than 2 tonnes, prepare for a dizzying increase in parking fees from October 1, 2024.
Confirmed following a vote by Parisians (the majority of whom did not turn out) a few months ago, the rates will reach €18 for an hour in zone 1 (1st-11th arrondissements) compared to €6 currently, while in zone 2 (12th-20th arrondissements), the rate will be €12, instead of €4 currently.
And as if that weren't enough: beyond the first hour, the price of parking will increase in 15-minute increments, up to a maximum of €225 for a day in zone 1.
And if you try to ignore these new rates, be aware that you risk being fined at least 100 euros.
Olympic lanes dedicated to less polluting transport
Drivers accustomed to using Paris's expressways will also have to adapt to another major change. The Olympic lanes, created for the 2024 Games, are now reserved for carpooling vehicles, taxis, and public transport.
These lanes, located on the ring road and on certain strategic motorways such as the A1 and A13, are only accessible to vehicles with at least two occupants. Rush hours (7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.) will be particularly monitored using video ticketing systems, and offenders risk fines of up to €750 (in the event of a repeat offense).
Pedestrianization of several areas
The Iéna Bridge and the area around the Eiffel Tower, key routes for crossing Paris by car or two-wheeler, have been permanently closed to traffic since the end of the Olympic Games.
Motorists and motorcyclists must now bypass this area, which is reserved for pedestrians, cyclists, buses, taxis and emergency vehicles.
The center of Paris becomes a Limited Traffic Zone
Finally, the center of Paris will soon become a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL), making access almost impossible for vehicles without special authorization.
The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th arrondissements will be the first to be affected, with strict restrictions prohibiting through traffic. Only residents, shopkeepers, delivery drivers, and other professionals with a valid reason to travel to these areas will be allowed to access them by car.
This initiative by the Mayor of Paris, inspired by other major European cities, aims to improve air quality and reduce noise in the historic center of Paris.