Paris Doesn’t Have Any Stop Signs

Have you ever driven in Paris these days? Probably not, but should you detest infinite stop signs while driving through big-city blocks, Paris might feel slightly less frustrating as compared, if slightly chaotic. It seems Paris city planners think there are more practical ways to administer traffic than simply rudimentary stop signs. Actually, as of 2016, all stop signs inside the city limits were removed by the Paris Police Prefecture.  

Together with banning vehicle traffic through the town center and discouraging larger, heavier vehicles inside Paris, the removal of stop signs was prompted by the necessity to improve traffic flow and reduce the variety of fines issued to drivers. In any case, police stops for traffic violations impede traffic and find yourself compounding the issue. Studies here within the U.S. have found that stop signs may encourage drivers to disregard the correct of way, or to speed up more rapidly from a stop to make up for lost time. These aspects can contribute to increased danger for each pedestrians and other drivers.

To maintain traffic moving in a secure manner, Paris deploys a mix of roundabouts, yield signs, and the widely accepted rule of “priority to the correct.” Stop lights are implemented to administer traffic at major intersections with heavy traffic flow. Because traffic is consistently moving through most Paris streets, this encourages drivers to pay more attention to their surroundings. When drivers stay alert, it improves the protection of all drivers, and pedestrians, too.

Increasingly common here within the U.S., roundabouts maintain a continuing flow of traffic at an intersection, where each driver must yield to vehicles inside the roundabout. France has more roundabouts than all other countries within the European Union. Essentially the most famous roundabout is on the Place Charles de Gaulle (historically generally known as the Place de l’Étoile), in Paris. 

Yield signs indicate that other traffic continues to be moving, and the motive force must pay close attention before proceeding. The absence of stop signs or traffic lights at other intersections means drivers must allow the vehicle to their right to proceed.

The design of most European cities is in stark contrast to those of the US, and Paris isn’t any exception. Narrow, often winding roads and busy crossings put safety on the forefront. Vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians must share much smaller spaces than what’s typical in U.S. cities. While the absence of stop signs allows all the things to maneuver more freely, there are additional aspects in place that improve overall safety in rather more intimate public spaces.

Smaller spaces and more confined roadways necessitate slower speeds basically. Raised crosswalks and sidewalks enhance pedestrian safety within the presence of vehicles, enhancing the legal right-of-way pedestrians have, and offering a greater sense of shared space in such close proximity. In the event you ever have the chance to drive in European cities like Paris, pay attention to the differences in urban design and traffic flow, as you see your favorite French cars. Just make certain you are listening to all of the chaos around you.