How Paris is stepping up its drive against the car (BBC Magazine)

[inanna]

2 hours ago

Paris is notorious for snarled-up traffic and cranky drivers - but cars are gradually being edged out as the city steps up a life-or-death battle to cut pollution.

A stroll along the French capital's grandest boulevard, the Champs-Elysees, has just become possible without choking on exhaust fumes - from May cars are banned on the famous avenue one Sunday every month.

Pedestrians have already reclaimed part of the picturesque Left Bank of the River Seine, where traffic has been permanently banned, allowing restaurants, cafes and art exhibits to spring up.

A 3km (1.8-mile) section of the Right Bank will also become car-free from this summer, and plans are afoot to pedestrianise some historic central districts, with their narrow, cobbled streets and breathtaking architecture.

Link: http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-36169815

[Kip Humphrey]

1. I predict Goobers @(Google pilotless cars + Uber) will end gasoline driven cars in Paris