Paris limits ring road speed to 50 km/h starting October 1

On September 9, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced a new speed limit of 50 kilometers per hour for the city's congested ring road, known as the Boulevard Peripherique, effective October 1. This decision has sparked significant backlash from drivers and political opponents, particularly from conservative factions within the city council. The mayor's initiative is part of a long-term effort that has been in discussion for 18 years, aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing noise pollution in the surrounding areas. Despite the mayor's authority over the city, the implementation of this speed limit faces potential challenges from the national government and police, who argue that only they can officially change speed limits through a formal decree. The transport ministry has emphasized that the city’s jurisdiction does not extend to nationwide traffic regulations, complicating Hidalgo's unilateral decision. Supporters of the new limit, including members of the Green party, argue that reducing the maximum speed will lead to smoother traffic flow by minimizing stop-start driving and the associated acceleration and deceleration effects. Previous reductions in speed limits have reportedly resulted in decreased noise pollution and fewer accidents, according to data from the environment agency Ademe. As the political landscape evolves with the appointment of a new Prime Minister, the future of this speed limit remains uncertain. The ongoing debate highlights the tension between local governance and national authority in addressing urban traffic issues, as well as the broader implications for environmental and public safety policies in Paris.