Parisians Vote on Pedestrianizing 500 More Streets

A Push for Greener, Car-Free Streets

On Sunday, March 23, 2025, Parisians will vote in a referendum to decide whether 500 additional streets should be pedestrianized and greened. This initiative aims to reduce car usage and improve air quality in the city.

Transforming Paris Streets

If approved, the plan will remove 10,000 parking spots, adding to the 10,000 already eliminated since 2020. Residents will have a say in selecting which streets will become pedestrian areas, potentially bringing the total of these “green lungs” to nearly 700—more than one-tenth of the capital’s streets.

Paris Behind in Green Infrastructure

Despite recent efforts, Paris still lags behind other European capitals in terms of green spaces, with only 26% of the city covered by green infrastructure, compared to the European average of 41%.

Concerns from Commuters and Suburban Residents

Critics argue that these measures could complicate commuting and shopping for the 10 million residents of the outer suburbs, where public transportation is less dense. Car ownership highlights this divide: only one in three households in central Paris owns a car, compared to two in three in the suburbs.

Part of a Larger Vision

This referendum aligns with Mayor Anne Hidalgo’s broader initiative to transform Paris into Europe’s first “garden capital,” replacing car traffic with greenery and pedestrian-friendly spaces.

“Parisians Vote on Pedestrianizing 500 More Street”