Paris will experience a real day without cars (almost) October 1, as part of the city’s campaign to reduce its serious air pollution problems and to make its streets friendlier for pedestrians and cyclists.
Unlike previous car-free days, this one will ban everything except taxis, emergency and delivery vehicles, buses and some artisans who work from their vans. The ban will run from 11 am to 6 pm, and covers the entire area within the Peripherique, or ring road, that defines Paris proper. Previous days have covered more limited areas.
During the last car-free day, nitrogen levels in the city were reported down by 20-35%. Other Paris measures under Mayor Anne Hidalgo have included returning roads along the Seine to pedestrian use, and banning the most polluting vehicles from the city. Paris has a goal of banning all diesel cars from the roads by 2025
This time, the car-free zone is the whole city, as Paris gives up most motor transport for a day
