Paris: Towards a Ban on Deliveries by Gas-Powered Scooters?
This page is translated from the original post "Paris : vers une interdiction des livraisons par scooter thermique ?" in French.
- 15/10/2024 12:59
In response to the proliferation of home delivery services, like Uber Eats or Deliveroo, using polluting thermal scooters, a counteraction is being organized.
No one can say how many are circulating in Paris. Hundreds for sure, possibly thousands. Registered on several delivery platforms, they wait for long hours accumulated on the sidewalk, in all weather, for a delivery to be assigned to them. Then they mount their scooter, dash to the pick-up location for the merchandise – often food – and then head to the customer’s destination.
In Paris, Uber Eats, Deliveroo, Stuart and all restaurants resort to their service, sometimes at the edge of legality since the nationalities and work contracts are rarely respected. A large portion of the delivery workers comes from Africa and Asia (India, Pakistan, Bangladesh), suggesting that a whole organization, opaque if not mafia-like, is hiding behind this lucrative city delivery business.
Up to 20 kg of CO2/day per delivery worker
Out of ethical concerns or to save costs, many delivery workers are encouraged by large platforms to switch to bicycles. This option is also more practical for running red lights, going up one-way streets, riding on sidewalks, and therefore saving time on each delivery. Jealous, scooters are increasingly taking risks as well, with the police being lax in Paris on these points, which, however, endanger the lives of pedestrians, children, and the elderly.
The environmental impact of delivery workers on scooters in Paris is significant due to the use of thermal vehicles that emit carbon dioxide (CO2), fine particles, and noise. Noise pollution, especially at night with deliveries that never cease, is a real issue. In 2020, a study estimated that CO2 emissions from delivery services in general represented about 20 kg per delivery worker per day on average.
In response to this major health and pollution (air and noise) problem, the Paris City Hall seems to be addressing the issue and could soon impose a ban on thermal scooter deliveries. This would be a smart move and beneficial for local residents.
READ ALSO: The air quality mapping doesn’t inspire confidence in taking the Paris metro
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