Implemented since November 5, 2024 in Paris Center (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th arrondissements), the limited traffic zone is far from unanimous. (1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th arrondissements). "It will kill local businesses," believe 184 professionals who are going to war against the city hall by denouncing "an unfair and detrimental measure for all Parisian businesses and more generally, for Paris." These traders are worried about a "significant drop in footfall in the affected neighborhoods, particularly due to confusing communication about entry rules."
In the heart of the capital, the area extending from Place de la Concorde to Place de la Bastille and from Place de la République to the banks of the Seine is no longer authorized for all vehicles. Only emergency vehicles, buses, taxis, people with reduced mobility, residents, workers and "destination" traffic, i.e. those who have a departure and arrival point in the area, can circulate there. From June, offenders will be fined 135 euros.
The perimeter of the Limited Traffic Zone, City of Paris
"Paris is suffocating," say dozens of shopkeepers who, on December 20, filed a legal appeal with the support of two national federations against the City of Paris. The aim: to obtain the cancellation of the limited traffic zone.
Le Journal du Dimanche writes: "To justify its project, the city hall relied on a study by Apur, from early 2024, showing that "more than 88% of customers of shops in central Paris travel on foot or by public transport". However, according to Me Ian Ouaknine, who is defending the angry professionals, "the establishment of the ZTL is illegal [...] It is based on an incomplete impact study and obsolete data, dating from 2017." He explains that "no study has been carried out on the impact of the ZTL on commercial activity."
Professionals denounce the way the ZTL was implemented. "An unbalanced measure, taken without consideration of local economic realities," judges Patrick Aboukrat, president of the Marais Paris committee. To be continued.
©Le Marais Mood
Text: Axel G.
26.12.24
