Paris to remove love locks from bridges

/ Yonhap

By Rachel Lee

About 1 million “love locks” from the Pont Des Arts in Paris, France, are to be removed, reports said Sunday.

Every year, thousands of couples visit the pedestrian bridge, built across the Seine in 1804, to leave padlocks that symbolize the desire for eternal love.

“This phenomenon generates two problems: a lasting degradation of the heritage of Paris and also a risk to the safety of visitors, Parisians and tourists,” the London-based Independent newspaper quoted a city official as saying.

Painting and plexiglass panels will replace metal grilles, and ribbons will be used as alternatives to the locks.

“We want Paris to remain the capital of love and romance.” Paris Deputy Mayor Bruno Julliard told the BBC.

Locks on the Pont de l’Archeveche, near the Notre Dame cathedral, will also be removed.

Since 2008, couples have declared their love by writing their initials on locks and throwing the keys into the river.