By Seyma Yigit
ANKARA (AA) – Seeking to improve life in the City of Lights, Paris on Monday began a new program to keep some central areas free of outside traffic.
Announced by the city late last month, the new measure covers the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th districts of Paris, prohibiting motor vehicle transit except in emergencies.
Under the new measure, motor vehicles excluding buses, taxis, emergency, and vehicles for the disabled are barred from a 5.5-square kilometer area (2.1 square miles).
Residents and employees in these zones are exempt from the restrictions.
According to city data, some 350,000-550,000 vehicles normally enter these areas daily, but the new measure is designed to improve life for over 100,000 residents in the heart of Paris.
After a six-month trial period, a monitoring and penalty system will be introduced.
Earlier this month, another traffic measure reduced the speed limit on ring roads from 70 kilometers per hour (44 miles per hour) to 50 km per hour (31 mph).
These measures align with Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo's goals to reduce traffic in public spaces and cut air pollution.