Paris has voted in favour of a large-scale initiative to pedestrianise and green 500 additional streets across the city. The referendum, held on 23 March 2025, saw 65.96% of voters support the proposal, with 34.04% voting against it.
The measure is intended to accelerate efforts to create a more walkable and environmentally sustainable urban environment.
Out of the 1,391,369 registered voters in Paris, 56,489 participated in the referendum, reflecting a turnout of 4.06%. Of those, 37,054 supported the measure, while 19,121 opposed it. Additionally, 314 ballots were either blank or invalid.
Voting patterns varied across different arrondissements. Support was strongest in districts such as the 10th (82.95% in favour), the 11th (79.42%), and the 20th (77.54%). However, opposition was higher in areas such as the 7th (66.28% against) and the 16th (73.48% against), where concerns about traffic displacement and access to private vehicles were more pronounced.
With the proposal approved, the city will begin identifying the 500 streets to be transformed, in consultation with residents at the arrondissement level. This process will start in April 2025 and will be followed by feasibility studies. The full implementation of the project is expected to take approximately three years.
The initiative builds on prior efforts to reduce car dependency in Paris. Since 2020, the city has removed more than 10,000 outdoor parking spaces and introduced greening projects on 197 streets. The latest expansion aims to add between five and eight new pedestrianised streets in each neighbourhood, ensuring equitable distribution across the city.
This initiative aligns with Paris’ broader urban policy objectives, including efforts to reduce vehicle emissions, improve air quality, and enhance public spaces.
While the low voter turnout highlights some challenges in civic engagement, the outcome indicates a clear preference among participating residents for a more pedestrian-friendly city.
