Paris roads brought to a screeching halt in a bid to curb climate change

Parisians will see big changes to their city roads as officials work to lower emissions and prevent road trauma.

In an effort to curb climate change, Paris has slammed the brakes on vehicle pollution.

Authorities have introduced speed limits of 30km per hour in some high-density city areas within the capital, in hope of decreasing air pollution and improving road safety.

However, the move doesn’t come without controversy as drivers question how sustainable reduced speed limits would be on the environment.

Officials believe that the rule will frustrate road users to the point where they resort to alternate modes of transport.

However, critics say the move could increase greenhouse gas emissions as more vehicles are banked up in peak-hour traffic.

Car spaces to halve

In further efforts to discourage Parisians and tourists from using personal modes of vehicle transportation, 60,000 carparks will be removed from public roads.

It’s a move that will see just over 40 percent of vehicle spaces gone, potentially generating even more fury among drivers.

While the change does seem controversial, almost 6,000 people voted on the rule change.

Additionally, 59 percent of the city’s residents are in favour of the new limit according to a poll conducted by the Parisian City Hall.

But that number is reversed within the Île-de-France region with 61 percent opposed to the rule.

Drivers voice their frustrations

Truck drivers are among those who object to the rule with one inidivual voicing their frustration to a CNN affiliate.

“With deliveries, it’s terrible. We don’t have time. I was in traffic jams everywhere. We don’t have time.”

Authorities hope that drivers eventually see the bright side of the rule change with the benefits supposedly outweighing the risks.

Noise pollution is predicted to halve, road accidents are expected to reduce by 25 percent and more people will have the opportunity to engage in physical activity.

Public consultation regarding the change was held in October and November 2020, with the rule to stay in place for now.

Written by Rebecca Borg