It's a small revolution — or a big mess, depending on which side of the ZTL you’re on. Starting this Saturday, the Presqu'île of Lyon is going to turn red for cars: a formal ban on passing through this vibrant heart of the city, unless you've got a solid pass. Taxis, artisans, residents, and emergency vehicles will still have access, but for everyone else, it’s time to take the scenic route along the banks of the Rhône and Saône or put the keys down for good. Behind this measure, which is fully embraced by EELV mayor Grégory Doucet, the aim is clear: to give a boost to the local economy, reduce pollution, and most importantly, put pedestrians back in the spotlight.
"Ecological advance" vs "Crazy ZTL"
But as with every significant urban transformation, reactions are flying in. Supporters are celebrating an ecological advance, a city center that feels alive.respirable air and sidewalks without honking. On the opposing side, there’s quite a stir. The Lyon and Greater Lyon defenders' collective is criticizing a “crazy” ZTL that threatens the city's attractiveness, already mentioning alarmingly low sales figures for local businesses. Even Jean-Michel Aulas, the former boss of OL (and a future candidate for the Lyon mayoral election), is getting involved on X (formerly Twitter), calling for a “smarter pedestrianization.”
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With retractable bollards, automatic plate recognition, and electric debates, this ZTL (Traffic Limited Zone) in Lyon is part of a broader European trend, already embraced in cities like Paris, Nantes, and Grenoble. The big question is whether this will catch on in Lyon or if the growing opposition will make the city council rethink its plans. One thing’s for sure: starting Saturday, it’s better to swap the honking for a good pair of sneakers!
Source: France Bleu
