Transport Minister calls on Parisians to use their cars “as a last resort” on July 26, the day of the opening ceremony

Patrice Vergriete reminds us that traffic will be very complicated in Paris on Friday, the day of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games.

Patrice Vergriete, Minister of Transport, called on Parisians on franceinfo on Monday July 22 not to take their cars on July 26, the day of the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games. “It’s going to get really, really complicated.”he confirmed.

As D-Day approaches, Parisians are increasingly impacted by traffic restrictions. Patrice Vergriete asks “if possible” not to use the car on July 26 or so “last resort”The Minister of Transport addresses future holidaymakers: “If you have to go on holiday by car and you are Parisian, leave before 10 hours, after that, it will really become extremely complicated”he warned.

“This day will be a little special”he explained. “It’s normal, we’re hosting a major global event. 320,000 spectators, that’s never been done before. The opening ceremony of the Games has never taken place in a city. It’s always been in the stadium. Obviously, France is taking a huge gamble. We just need to know the consequences.”he explained.

However, Patrice Vergriete wanted to be reassuring: “Very sincerely, with all the partners, we have done our utmost so that, in particular, Parisians are the least impacted by these Olympic Games. It will be possible to live completely normally in Paris.”he assures.