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Paris Banned Cars For The Day And It Looked Stunning

Mayor Anne Hildalgo is fighting against air pollution in the city.

Paris has pulled off its most ambitious 'car-free day' yet, with 105 square kilometres of the French capital set aside for pedestrians and cyclists.

In its third year, the ban on all private cars and motorised bikes took place between 11am and 6pm on Sunday in a fight against air pollution in the city.

The only exceptions were for taxis, public transport and emergency vehicles -- and if police caught Parisians driving, they faced fines of up to $200.

A rare sight -- the Champs-Élysées is taken over by pedestrians.
AFP/Getty Images
A rare sight -- the Champs-Élysées is taken over by pedestrians.

Mayor Anne Hildalgo -- who established the annual event -- has been a strong advocate for reducing pollution in Paris, increasing the number of bus and bike lanes in the city and encouraging Parisians to utilise cleaner transport options.

The results of the car ban were absolutely stunning:

A cyclist rides past Notre Dame Cathedral.
AFP/Getty Images
A cyclist rides past Notre Dame Cathedral.
The creator of the event, Mayor Anne Hidalgo.
AFP/Getty Images
The creator of the event, Mayor Anne Hidalgo.
A cyclist rides past the 'Conciergerie', a former prison and royal palace.
ERIC FEFERBERG via Getty Images
A cyclist rides past the 'Conciergerie', a former prison and royal palace.
CHRISTOPHE SIMON via Getty Images

More than 1000 police and council workers were on-site at key roads to ensure the smooth running of the day.

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