Motorists have suggested that the controversial London Ulez could be replaced by a revolutionary system of banning traffic which has recently been introduced in Paris.
Since its introduction in April 2019, the Ultra Low Emission Zone has been mired by dissatisfaction among petrol and diesel car owners.
This was exacerbated further when the scheme was extended in August 2023 to cover all of Greater London. While Mayor Sadiq Khan has resisted calls to change the Ulez, some have suggested that the scheme could be modified.
A new “Zone à traffic limité” (ZTL) has been launched in Paris which covers around five square miles in the centre of the city and can restrict access for motor vehicles.
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Some have suggested that measures could be introduced to cut traffic in London
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The charging area, which includes around 100,000 residents and 11,000 businesses, currently serves around 500,000 vehicles every day, according to city officials.
The ban will primarily impact private motor vehicles, and once the grace period ends, motorists could be fined €135 or £112.
Despite this, it is unclear how the ban will work and how drivers will be sanctioned for entering the zone if they do not have permission.
It is hoped that the ZTL will reduce traffic, improve air quality and encourage Parisians to use more sustainable forms of public transport.
The ZTL launched in Paris on November 4, with many environmental experts pointing at the zone as being a blueprint for future projects to improve air quality and reduce traffic.
Some have even suggested that a ZTL-type scheme could be used in London to work alongside the Ulez or replace the scheme altogether.
Some motorists have posted on social media to highlight the potential benefits of London having a limited traffic zone, like the one recently launched in the French capital.
One user noted how measures were introduced in Soho during the coronavirus pandemic to make the streets car-free. They described it as “so nice” and “never understood why they didn’t keep it”.
Another social media commenter said it would be a “great idea” to improve air quality, enhance public spaces and encourage foot and cycle travel.
When driving in the Ulez, motorists are required to have a car which meets Euro 4 for petrol vehicles and Euro 6 for those who own diesel vehicles.
Drivers who do not meet the emissions requirements are charged £12.50 per day. For those who do not pay, they could be slapped with a £180 fine, or £90 if paid within two weeks.
A third said: “To be honest it’s now so hard to drive in London that I’m deferring to public transport.
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The blue outline shows the impacted ZTL area across Paris
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“Between the roadworks that delay pretty much every journey and the horrific state of the A40 it’s the same journey time on a train. Which is probably what they wanted!”
Anne Hidalgo, Mayor of Paris, and London Mayor Sadiq Khan are seen as two of the most progressive metropolitan mayors, with both playing important roles in the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group.
In 2021, Hidalgo congratulated Khan on his re-election adding that “Paris is standing side-by-side with you and London”.
