Paris, one of the most populous cities in Europe, is lowering the speed limit. Officials believe this will combat air pollution, encourage walking, and combat depression caused by reduced noise pollution.
From Monday, the speed limit on the streets of Paris is 30 kilometers per hour, which is approximately 19 miles per hour. The speed limit on most city streets is 50 km/h, or 31 mph.
The move comes at a time when cities such as London, Madrid, Berlin and Brussels have enacted similar speed limits, and Paris has considered the measures for several years.
The French capital is also widening sidewalks to increase walking space, and will add new bike lanes to encourage cycling. Another “green advantage” will be to plant more plants on the sidewalks to encourage a healthy environment.
David Belliard, deputy mayor of Paris’s Ministry of Transport, said in an interview CNN affiliate, BFMTVHe hopes that the reduced speed limit will completely prevent driving and encourage more walking, use of public transportation and cycling.
“A friendly clarification of what those who oppose lowering the speed limit say: No, the 30 km/h speed limit will not increase pollution… But in fact, it improves the safety of cyclists and pedestrians and reduces noise And calm the city,” Bellard said in Twitter.
Health experts say that being overwhelmed by constant sound is related to stress-related physical effects, such as depression and insomnia. Reducing traffic noise is also beneficial to mental health.
“Environmental noise is associated with poor health outcomes, such as poor sleep, poor mental health, and cardiovascular disease, and may cause more than 1 million disability-adjusted life years in Western Europe each year,” Environmental epidemiology Reported in a study on how environmental noise affects mental health and sleep.
A poll conducted by the Paris City Hall on Monday showed that 59% of the city’s residents support the new restrictions.
Delivery drivers and taxi drivers are opponents of the new rules, and they question how much the reduced speed limit will actually reduce pollution.
This change was promoted by Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who hopes to make Paris greener before the 2024 Summer Olympics.
The mayor of Paris __ turned her city into a bicycle city in a very short time.
It continues to impress Paris.Less dust, less noise, higher quality of life
__hat,@Anne_Hidalgo !
_ @CommuteDeParispic.twitter.com/HWm1GsjpqS
— Daniel Moser (@_dmoser) August 25, 2021
