Le Figaro Lyon
Access exemptions and dedicated parking spaces. Building craftsmen are calling for an adaptation of the Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL) system on the Lyon Peninsula supported by the environmentalist metropolis. A project which must apply by 2025 and would endanger their activity according to a union. The latest version of the ZTL integrates the bottom of the slopes of Croix-Rousse as well as 15 new pedestrian streets between Place des Terreaux and Place Bellecour.
“The ZTL project to pedestrianize the Lyon peninsula, from Bellecour to Place des Terreaux, puts construction craftsmen and professionals in difficulty
,” warns the Confederation of Crafts and Small Building Companies (Capeb). In a press release published Thursday, it deplores the negative impact on
“the ability of construction craftsmen and professionals to maintain competitive prices or even to travel there to intervene”
.
The project currently provides for access exemptions for local residents, public transport, delivery people, traders, taxis and even emergency vehicles. Building craftsmen are asking to be included in the list of rights holders who can go to this space protected by retractable terminals, and to benefit from dedicated parking spaces.
“44% plan to no longer intervene”
According to a study carried out among its 1,800 members, Capeb ensures that this measure will affect 90% of professionals in the sector. Among them, 44%
“consider no longer intervening in the area”
. Enough to fuel criticism of
the opposition's “
bunkerization of the heart of Lyon” .
It remains to be seen whether the calendar can be kept by the environmentalist executive, while an appeal was filed with the administrative court last spring. For its part, the metropolis claims that 85% of journeys in this area are already made on foot or by bike. According to the city's forecasts, this ZTL should make it possible to reduce automobile traffic in this part of the city by 20%.