Parking rules near pedestrian crossings change by 2027

By the end of 2027, parking within 5 meters upstream of pedestrian crossings will no longer be allowed in French cities. This change aims to improve visibility and safety for pedestrians, though it may reduce available parking spaces in urban areas.

Impact on urban parking spaces

The new rule will require French municipalities to remove parking spaces located too close to pedestrian crossings. This could make parking more complicated in city centers, where space is already limited, and may lead to new ways of organizing parking and transportation.

Legal basis for the regulation

This regulation comes from the Law on Mobility Orientation of December 24, 2019, which mandates the removal of motorized parking spaces within five meters of pedestrian crossings. Municipalities must comply with this rule by December 31, 2026, and the effects will become visible in 2027.

Clarification of the parking ban

The ban applies only to the 5 meters before a pedestrian crossing, not on both sides. Parking spaces for bicycles and personal mobility devices remain allowed. Violating the rule can lead to fines or vehicle towing, as the Road Code already considers such parking highly inconvenient.

Safety concerns and statistics

The regulation addresses a real road safety issue. Vehicles parked too close to pedestrian crossings can obstruct drivers' view of pedestrians and vice versa. In 2024, 456 pedestrians died in traffic accidents in France, with 70 percent of these incidents occurring in urban areas.

Implementation challenges for cities

Municipalities face difficulties in implementing the rule, including funding, planning, and public acceptance. However, the freed spaces can be used for bicycle racks, pedestrian pathways, or green areas, as long as visibility at crossings is maintained.

Public concerns about parking access

Some drivers and merchants worry that the rule may make city centers less accessible. A 2026 survey found that 42 percent of respondents see parking as a barrier to visiting the city center, and 37 percent of those who rarely visit cite parking difficulties as the main reason.

Encouraging alternative transport methods

The change may encourage drivers to use public transport or park further away and walk. Park-and-ride lots near public transport hubs already support this approach, allowing drivers to switch to walking or transit for the final part of their journey.

City-specific differences in parking trends

The impact of the rule varies by city. In Lyon, average parking prices in city centers increased by 8.7 percent between 2024 and 2025, while in Toulouse, they decreased by 22.7 percent. These differences reflect local conditions and do not necessarily indicate a direct link between the regulation and rising prices.

Digital tools for trip planning

More people are using digital tools to plan their trips. In 2025, 75 percent of people aged 12 and over searched for routes online. These tools help compare parking options, check availability, and plan connections with public transport, making trip preparation more efficient.