Driving is still allowed, for example, for residents of the historic center and those who work there. Going to the theater and movies are also acceptable reasons for driving.
On Monday, the French capital Paris banned drive-throughs in the city’s historic center to prevent congestion and pollution.
Driving cars or other motorized vehicles is now prohibited in the first, second, third and fourth arrondissements of the city, unless it is for business in the area.
The Louvre Museum, the Place Vendôme square, the Tuileries Garden and the Marais district are located in an area of approximately 5.5 square kilometers.
The mayor of the historic center Ariel Weil says that driving is allowed for residents of the area and those who work there, as well as for buses, taxis, emergency services and drivers with reduced mobility.
According to Weil, everyone else has to prove that they are not using the center as a “shortcut”. So, for example, the driver must present proof of a doctor’s appointment or of transporting a delivery to the area. Going to the movies or the theater is also an acceptable reason to drive to the area.
According to the city authorities, no fines are imposed for violating the driving ban during the first half of the year.
Chief of Police of Paris Laurent Nunez has criticized the ban and promised that driving will be restricted as little as possible.
Deputy Mayor of Paris By David Belliard according to the city is currently figuring out how compliance with the ban could be monitored in practice.
In the last decade, Paris has converted several car zones into bike and pedestrian paths. Next, driving is to be restricted on the Place de la Concorde. The Pont d’Iéna bridge, located near the Eiffel Tower, has not been opened to traffic since the Olympics.
Source: AFP