A small town in France is implementing a ban on mobile phones in public places

By TravelWiseFeb 18, 2024 21:55 PMNews
Share:
Ban on mobile phones
Ban on mobile phones. Source: Freepik

A small town in France, Saint-Port (located not far from Paris), has decided to ban cell phones in public places.

Residents voted to disallow phone usage in certain parts of the city, which has made life a bit more challenging for tourists and locals, according to The Sun.

Out of over 2000 residents, only 272 participated in the referendum: 146 voted in favor of banning gadgets in public places, while 126 were against it.

A small town in France is implementing a ban on mobile phones in public places
The beach in Saint-Porte. Source: ALAMY

Now, there are signs posted throughout the city that read: "Screen-free community, protect our children!"

Mayor Vincent Paul-Petit has pledged to construct a sports center and a movie theater for children and teenagers to keep them occupied, active, and, most importantly, away from screens.

The new decree, to be announced by the mayor in the coming days, prohibits the use of phones and other devices in front of schools, in stores, while walking down the street, or during public events.

Despite the vote and the new measures, there will be no real penalties for phone use in the city.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Guest room at Nobu Hotel Madrid with large windows and city views

Madrid Gets Its First Nobu Hotel

Jun 12, 2026 22:02 PM
Etihad Airways aircraft flying in a clear sky

Etihad Adds Eight Summer Routes

Jun 12, 2026 21:59 PM

KLM Adds Flexibility for Long-Haul Trips

Jun 12, 2026 21:46 PM

Stockholm Is Getting an Underground Hotel

Jun 12, 2026 21:33 PM
Silver suitcase on an airport baggage carousel

Passengers Caught in Baggage Mix-Up Scheme at Toronto Pearson

Jun 12, 2026 21:27 PM
Traveller using an EES Entry/Exit System screen at a European border

Europe Border Queues Could Hit Trips

Jun 11, 2026 22:44 PM
Zannier Île de Bendor hotel exterior with pool overlooking the sea

A French Island Retreat Reopens Near Bandol

Jun 11, 2026 22:31 PM
Portable power bank with multiple charging cables on a white background

Power Banks Face Tougher Flight Rules

Jun 11, 2026 22:28 PM
Finnair aircraft taxiing on a runway

Finnair Puts Turku and Tampere Back on the Map

Jun 11, 2026 22:15 PM

Sardinia Beach Trips Now Need a Plan

Jun 11, 2026 22:02 PM

Munich Airport Gets a New Sleepover Option

Jun 11, 2026 21:59 PM
easyJet aircraft parked at an airport on a rainy day

easyJet Picks Cheap Sun Breaks for Rainy Summer

Jun 11, 2026 21:46 PM
Aerial view of Zadar’s coastline with clear Adriatic water and seaside homes

Wizz Air Brings Zadar Closer to Central Europe

Jun 11, 2026 21:33 PM
Helsinki Cathedral and Market Square seen from the harbour

Helsinki Makes Summer Easy to Plan

Jun 11, 2026 21:27 PM
Whitewashed waterfront buildings and outdoor tables in Mykonos

Bratislava Gets a Summer Shortcut to Mykonos

Jun 10, 2026 16:44 PM

Anantara Links Rome, Nice and Amalfi for Summer

Jun 10, 2026 16:31 PM

Wizz Air Takes Wi-Fi Beyond Airplane Mode

Jun 10, 2026 16:28 PM
Pink suitcase standing on an airport floor beside a passenger

Cabin Bags Can Slow Aircraft Evacuations, IATA Warns

Jun 9, 2026 19:45 PM
Airline executives at Europe Japan joint venture signing ceremony

ITA Airways Joins a Bigger Japan–Europe Flight Network

Jun 9, 2026 19:32 PM
Turquoise bay with yachts and rocky coastline in Corsica

Corsica Gets a Direct Summer Link from Vienna

Jun 9, 2026 19:29 PM
Hotel Gołębiewski Pobierowo beside a large outdoor pool

Poland’s Baltic Mega-Hotel Opens with a Catch

Jun 8, 2026 22:26 PM
Air Canada aircraft on the runway at sunset

Toronto Returns to Budapest’s Summer Flight Board

Jun 7, 2026 20:13 PM

Tirana Gets Six New Ryanair Summer Routes

Jun 7, 2026 20:07 PM

Universal’s First European Theme Park Is Coming to Bedford

Jun 7, 2026 19:54 PM
Transavia aircraft flying against a blue sky

Transavia Opens Summer 2027 Bookings Early

Jun 7, 2026 19:41 PM
Colourful buildings in Kuressaare town centre

Saaremaa Gets an Easier Summer Flight Link

Jun 6, 2026 22:28 PM