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Paris Games 2024: Spotlight on Logistical Constraints and Security Perimeters

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Security Perimeters & Logistical Constrains

With the Paris Games just two months away, organisations' key concerns are maintaining business operations and ensuring staff mobility amidst the logistical challenges posed by the event. In this article, we will cover the security perimeters, logistical constraints, and our corresponding recommendations for the event.

The Government Platform Goes Live

On 10 May, the Prefecture de Police launched its registration platform, allowing users to obtain an individual digital pass, known as the Games Pass ("Pass Jeux"). This QR code grants access to the grey perimeter set up ahead of the opening ceremony (from 18-26 July), as well as to the red perimeter before and during the Games. Registration for the Games Pass for the grey perimeter of the opening ceremony has been open since 13 May. Applications for motorised vehicle passes to access the red perimeter around the competition venues will be available at a later date through a separate procedure on the same platform.

From 18-26 July (until 13:00 local time) – Prior to the opening ceremony

Two perimeters will be set up for this major event:

  • Grey perimeter: in the immediate vicinity of the river Seine - it will be in effect from 18 July to 26 July until 13:00 and will require a digital pass for access. Residents, pedestrians, tourists, professionals, and cyclists will be allowed to circulate upon presentation of the Games Pass and an identification document. Motorised vehicles are prohibited, except in rare cases. An interactive map is available to check whether an address lies within this grey perimeter.
  • Red perimeter: free movement of pedestrians and cyclists, no motorised vehicles allowed, except for rare exceptions; does not require the Games Pass (at this stage).  

On 26 July (from 13:00) – The opening ceremony

  • Grey Perimeter: becomes authorised only for spectators with a ticket or credentialed access and to pedestrians and cyclists with a Games Pass. Only emergency vehicles will be allowed. 
  • Red perimeter: free movement of pedestrians and cyclists, no motorised vehicles authorised, except for very rare exemptions. 

As for public transport, RER and metro stations serving locations within these perimeters will be closed. As for buses, some routes crossing within the two perimeters will be diverted unless an exemption is granted. On the day of the opening ceremony, no buses will be allowed to circulate within these perimeters.  

From 26 July to 8 September – Competition site perimeters

For the sporting events, new perimeters will be set up to ensure the security of participants, visitors, and residents.

  • Blue perimeter: accessible to pedestrians, cyclists, and motorised vehicles with a legitimate reason (free justification); checks are not systematic in this area. This perimeter is under the responsibility of the State.
  • Red perimeter: accessible to pedestrians and cyclists. Motorised vehicles are prohibited, except in the case of exemptions and a Games Pass. Checks are systematic. This perimeter is under the responsibility of the State.
  • Black perimeter – SILT (Internal Security and Counterterrorism): protective perimeter where people and personal belongings entering the competition site are searched. It is under the responsibility of the State.
  • Grey perimeter: Competition sites – athletes, spectators with tickets and Paris 2024 accredited persons are allowed; no vehicles authorised, except Paris 2024 vehicles. It is under the responsibility of Paris 2024.

The blue and red perimeters are activated each day, 2 hours and 30 minutes before the start of the first competition, and are lifted 1 hour after the end of the last competition.

Competition Sites Perimeters
Road events, such as the marathon and cycling, will have special and adapted perimeters.

Road Restrictions

  • 185 km of Olympic lanes will be activated from July 15: They will be dedicated to the transport of accredited persons, emergency, and security vehicles, and will be monitored by special radars. Taxis, ambulances, and public transport will also be able to use them. The other lanes are open to all.
  • Paris Bridges: Logistical disruptions between the two banks of the river will begin in the run-up to the opening ceremony: from June 17 and progressively until July 26. On the day of the opening ceremony, only 8 out of 23 bridges will remain opened.

Recommendations

• Inbound travel to France can proceed with standard security precautions.

• Managers should determine the need for non-essential travel to France from 1 July and throughout the duration of the Games due to an increased demand for accommodation and an upward pressure on transport options. A workforce that does travel should anticipate increased logistical and movement challenges during this period.

• Workforce based in-country should discuss options for remote work with their managers in the lead-up to and during the Games.

• Anticipate increased travel time within urban centres due to road restrictions, related congestion and an increased use of public transportation.

• Managers with a workforce in cities impacted by the Games should consider remote working arrangements where possible, taking into consideration:

- Office and employee location
- Security perimeters and potential for access restrictions to worksites
- Public transport/metro station closures/road restrictions

• Managers should ensure emergency plans are up to date and tested, including the ability to account for personnel in the event of a crisis.

• Run personal training security awareness sessions with workforce planning to visit the Olympics, ensuring they are cognisant of common scam and theft tactics.

• Ensure workforce have access to credible sources of timely, verified information to pre-emptively plan for possible rallies.

• Managers should monitor local news for information on industrial action, including negotiations between unions and the government.

• Discuss an emergency response plan with your team, including what to do if communications are cut off following a terror attack.

• When creating or reviewing emergency plans, account for the likely presence of workforce on leisure travel and clarify the extent of your duty of care responsibilities internally.