Major traffic restrictions to be implemented in Lyon from June
It will become the fifth French city to implement a limited traffic zone. We review which vehicles will be exempt from rules
The restrictions will be in place 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Michel PERES/Shutterstock
Authorities in Lyon will introduce a limit on vehicles driving through the city’s hyper-centre in June 2025, becoming the fifth city in France to do so.
The zone à trafic limité (ZTL or ‘limited traffic zone’) will come into force in the Presqu’île de Lyon area – shown on this map – from June 1, 2025, and will be implemented on a 24/7 basis.
Almost all vehicles will be banned from entering the zone, except for those of residents, workers, and a few other cases.
Around 15 streets will become fully pedestrianised – with no car access even for these authorised drivers – whilst others will remain available for residents and other vehicles permitted entry.
Car parking spaces will remain as will the 18 car parks in and around the ZTL.
“The limited traffic zone will reduce the traffic load, giving pedestrians greater comfort, peace and safety so that they can enjoy life in the area,” said city authorities announcing the implementation of the zone to Le Figaro.
“The challenge is to bring about a significant improvement in the living environment of the Presqu'île, while guaranteeing its prosperity and accessibility as a major destination, combining well-being and conviviality with commercial, tourist and cultural dynamism,” the authorities added.
Around 500,000 people per day pass through the area including many tourists.
Paris implemented its ZTL in November 2024, following Grenoble, Nantes, and Rennes in creating a mostly vehicle-free zone.
Read more: What is the fine for driving in limited traffic zone in Paris?
What will the restrictions be?
All vehicles are to be banned from driving in the zone unless they have prior authorisation.
Authorisation comes in two forms – permanent or temporary – depending on the reason the vehicle is being used in the area.
Drivers able to benefit from permanent access to the ZTL include: residents, business owners and workers, taxis, medical vehicles, and people with a disability.
Delivery drivers also have permanent access, but will only be able to drive through the zone during the morning (between 06:00 and 13:00).
Temporary access can be granted to those who need to travel into the area with their vehicle for a one-off occasion, such as if they have a medical appointment, are collecting a package or are staying in a hotel in the area.
Signposts will be erected around the area to inform drivers, and bollards will prevent vehicles from entering.
The bollards will have number-plate recognition technology and will lower to allow authorised vehicles to access to the zone.
How can drivers sign up?
“All professionals who are part of the City of Lyon's craftsmen/professionals scheme will be registered automatically,” the city has confirmed.
Residents in the area can apply from April 22 via their local council, or through the city’s ‘LPA’ parking authority, either online or at an in-person counter.
Temporary residents will be able to apply for access online via the mairie’s website, or be given a temporary access code by a designated authority (hotel, medical cabinet, etc).
Read more: City in south of France will not penalise ZFE breaches until 2027
