Paris: With Sydney looking to clear pedestrian space for cars, European cities are continuing to move towards more pedestrian-friendly city centres.



The mayor of Paris has announced a plan to tackle traffic and pollution in the French capital by transforming the city's historic centre into a "semi-pedestrianised" zone.



Paris' successful Vélib' bike share programme was expanded this year to include children's bike. A further €100m will be spent to get more people cycling in the city.

"In the four central districts, apart from bikes, buses and taxis, the only vehicles allowed will be residents' cars, delivery vehicles and emergency vehicles," Anne Hidalgo said in an interview with the Journal du Dimanche.

Ms Hidalgo said the proposed scheme would start at weekends, but could be rolled out for the rest of the week.