Emmanuel Grégoire Elected as New Mayor of Paris, Unveils Ambitious Mobility Plan
Paris, March 24, 2026 – Emmanuel Grégoire was elected Mayor of Paris on Sunday, March 22, 2026, succeeding Anne Hidalgo. He has already made his ambition clear regarding cars in Paris in 2026, aiming to transform mobility without paralyzing the economy. This is the core of Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire’s car project.
Transition for Cars in Paris in 2026: Reducing Individual Car Use
Mayor Emmanuel Grégoire continues the work of his predecessor, Anne Hidalgo, with a priority on reducing traffic for public health and climate reasons. However, the new mayor seeks a more “surgical” approach starting in 2026. The goal is not to eliminate cars entirely but to reclaim public space where cars are least efficient. Electric vehicles will be prioritized for essential journeys.
Distinguishing Essential vs. Convenience Travel
The new administration’s project hinges on a key distinction: facilitating travel for those with no other choice, such as professionals, artisans, people with reduced mobility, and large families, while discouraging “convenience” travel. Convenience travel refers to journeys that can be made using public transport. This is central to Emmanuel Grégoire’s promises for cars in Paris in 2026: to give the city back to those who use it as a tool for work.
Higher Parking Fees for SUVs
In his program, the new Mayor of Paris confirms the policy of taxing bulky vehicles, which is already in place. SUVs and heavy cars will face higher parking fees. The objective is to encourage users to opt for lighter and less accident-prone vehicles in urban environments.
The Future of Cars in Paris in 2026: Key Measures
Variable Speed Limits on the Périphérique
One of the new Mayor’s flagship measures is ending the fixed speed limit on the Périphérique. Thanks to pollution and traffic sensors, speeds will vary up to 70 km/h at night or when traffic is fluid. However, the speed limit will remain at 50 km/h during pollution peaks or rush hours to limit the accordion effect and noise pollution.
Limited Traffic Zone (LTZ) to Eliminate Transit
To decongest the city center (1st to 4th arrondissements), Emmanuel Grégoire confirms the implementation of a Limited Traffic Zone. The objective is simple: to prohibit transit traffic, meaning motorists who cross the heart of Paris without stopping. By redirecting these flows to more suitable routes, the Paris City Council hopes for a 30% reduction in traffic in these historic neighborhoods. Access will remain guaranteed for residents, customers of businesses, delivery personnel, taxis, and emergency services.
AI for Traffic Flow at Intersections
Inspired by experiments abroad, the new Mayor of Paris plans to deploy AI algorithms to control traffic lights. By adjusting traffic light cycles in real-time according to car flow, the new administration hopes to reduce unnecessary traffic jams and, by extension, limit CO2 emissions from engine restarts.
No Cars on the Banks of the Seine
Despite pressure from some opposition groups, the Mayor of Paris, elected in March 2026, remains firm. There will be no reversal on the banks of the Seine. They will remain dedicated to pedestrians and cyclists, forming the green lung of central Paris.
Parking in Paris in 2026: Periphery and Professionals First
30,000 Park-and-Ride Spaces
To limit car congestion in Paris in 2026, Emmanuel Grégoire is banking on a belt of massive park-and-ride facilities on the city’s outskirts. These 30,000 secure spaces, offered at attractive rates, will connect directly to metro and RER lines, encouraging people to leave their cars before entering the capital.
Logistics and Artisans: 25% of Spaces Reserved for Professionals
To ensure economic vitality, Emmanuel Grégoire pledges to dedicate 25% of on-street parking space exclusively to professionals. This measure aims to ensure that artisans, healthcare workers, and delivery personnel can always find a space within 200 meters of their intervention site. This measure should also put an end to double parking, which paralyzes traffic. These spaces will be protected by reinforced control, using cameras or sensors to prevent private individuals from parking there. Additionally, the mayor supports the transformation of underground car parks into urban logistics hubs, enabling a transition to decarbonized last-mile deliveries. Attractive parking rates for breakdown and home care professionals may also be maintained.
New Bus Lines and 24/7 Metro
As an alternative to cars in Paris in 2026, Emmanuel Grégoire advocates for strengthening public transport. This includes creating 15 express bus lines with dedicated lanes. Concurrently, he intends to initiate discussions with the region for 24/7 metro operation on certain weekends, offering a concrete alternative to night driving.
Priority for Pedestrians and Noise Reduction
“1,000 Pedestrian Streets” Plan and Neighborhood Cores
The new Mayor of Paris, elected in March 2026, aims to reach 1,000 pedestrian streets by the end of his term in 2032. Priority will be given to areas around schools to ensure children’s safety and limit the omnipresence of cars in residential areas.
Combating Car Noise in Paris from 2026
Finally, for Emmanuel Grégoire, quiet becomes a public health priority. Quiet zones with a 20 km/h speed limit will be generalized in certain residential neighborhoods of Paris. Furthermore, noise radars will be deployed to penalize excessively noisy two-wheelers, particularly through targeted night restrictions. The objective is to preserve the sleep and health of Parisians.
Source: Based on Emmanuel Grégoire’s program for Paris
