France begins to deploy low-speed speed limit on the Paris ring road

Published on: 02/10/2024 – 2:32 p.m.

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According to the mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, the speed limit on the entire 35 kilometers of the Boulevard Périphérique – known as the “Périph” – will now be reduced to 50 km/h, compared to the current 70 km/h.

Signs indicating the new speed limit are expected to be fully installed by October 10.

The move sparked criticism from drivers and other opponents, with conservative political parties denouncing the measure as “socially unfair.”

The ring road is one of the busiest arteries in France, used every day by around 1.2 million motorists, mainly from the Ile-de-France region of which Paris is a part.

But the Parisian authorities say they want to improve the quality of life and reduce noise pollution for the 550,000 residents in the surrounding area.

“When you reduce the speed, you reduce the noise for all the people who live near this ring road,” estimates David Belliard, environmental deputy in charge of transport at the town hall.

“We will offer them a better quality of life,” he said, adding that residents would also sleep better.

“The right to sleep is extremely important.”

Reduce pollution and road accidents

BruitParif, an organization that measures urban noise pollution, expects this measure to result in a drop in sound levels of 2 to 3 decibels.

Municipal authorities also claim that this decision will lead to a reduction in road accidents. Some experts also say the move will help reduce emissions and improve air quality.

Paris and its suburbs exposed to excessive noise pollution, according to a study

With an average daytime speed estimated at 37 km/h, the new limitation should only have a major impact during off-peak hours.

Valérie Pécresse, president of the Ile-de-France region, said Tuesday that the speed cut would disproportionately affect people working nights and early mornings.

She condemned the measure as “socially unjust,” and a number of industries, including hotels and restaurants, struck a similar note.

(with AFP)