Login
My Garage
New hero

Paris just banned cars from its city centre—Is London next?

By Mathilda Bartholomew | November 4, 2024

Share

Why not leave a comment?

See all | Add a comment

Paris has implemented a new Limited Traffic Zone that bans most vehicles from the city centre to reduce pollution and promote a more pedestrian-friendly environment

Paris just banned cars from its city centre—Is London next?

Starting this week, drivers will no longer be able to cruise through the heart of Paris. The city’s mayor, Anne Hidalgo, has set up a new "Limited Traffic Zone" (ZTL) covering about five square kilometres, including iconic areas like the Louvre and Avenue de l’Opéra. This zone is part of Hidalgo’s decade-long campaign to reduce car traffic and pollution in Paris, a move that mirrors similar policies in cities like Milan and Rome.

For the next six months, drivers breaking the rules will get a warning, but starting May 2025, fines of €135 (about £114) will kick in. The ZTL will be in effect 24/7, allowing only certain vehicles—like local residents, buses, taxis, and emergency vehicles—free access. Even electric and hybrid cars aren’t exempt unless they’re going to a specific destination within the zone, such as a job, doctor’s appointment, or movie.

While around 350,000 to 550,000 cars pass through central Paris daily, officials estimate that 70% of these are “convenience” trips that add unnecessary air and noise pollution. By limiting traffic, Paris hopes to see a 30% reduction in cars, making the city centre more pedestrian-friendly and less polluted.

Hidalgo has pushed hard on her anti-car agenda since 2014, recently lowering the speed limit on the Périphérique ring road and banning diesel sales at several city fuel stations. She’s also raised parking fees, especially for larger vehicles like SUVs, which can now cost around £190 to park for six hours in central Paris.

The changes might be inconvenient for drivers, but for residents and visitors, they could mean cleaner air and less noise in one of Europe’s most popular destinations. And as London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan looks at similar ideas, these policies might not be limited to Paris for long.

Related Articles

Could the Justy make a comeback? Subaru plots small electric rival to Renault 5
Subaru might bring back the Justy as an all-electric hatch to rival the Renault 5. Here's what we know so far.
Jul 25, 2025
EVs to lose exemption as London Congestion Charge rises in 2026
EV drivers in London will soon have to pay the Congestion Charge, with changes set to make TfL £75 million a year.
Jul 25, 2025
UK vehicle manufacturing down almost 12% in 2025 so far
UK car output plunges to a 72-year low, with production levels not seen since 1953.
Jul 25, 2025
Fuel Me Once: The True Cost of the Taxi of Mum & Dad
Motorway found that UK parents drive over 3,000 miles a year ferrying family - enough to reach Greece and back - spending an average of...
Jul 24, 2025