Paris had their first car-free day yesterday whereby no cars were allowed to drive on the central arrondissements, which are the areas around landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, and the Champs Elysees between 9am and 4pm. The only motorised vehicles allowed were buses, taxis and emergency vehicles.
The city mayor, Anne Hidalgo had told French newspaper Le Parisien last month that “the capital must respond to climate challenges that jeopardise the future of the planet, including by fighting against pollution and improving the health of Parisians”.
Hidalgo hopes that the ban will help to inspire other cities around the world, while also bringing attention to the affect of traffic on the environment.
The day coincided with European Mobility Week and the United Nations climate conference COP21 and allowed pedestrians to take in the landmarks without the usual chaos of the city.
Thousands of diplomats, business people and climate change experts were gathering in the city as United Nations delegates work on an agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
that’s amazing!