It can be done: European cities are saying goodbye to the car

A growing number of European cities are turning into nicer places to live and visit as they reduce car numbers and put more resources into sustainable mobility. A recent Washington Post article, “Why Europe is going car-free”, explores the trend toward ambitious policies with a clear goal: healthier and more livable cities.

Cities turning away from cars are either banning all private vehicles while boosting public transport, limiting street parking or entry to certain zones to residents, or only allowing EVs or hybrids. As EVs become more popular and within the reach of all car owners, cities are introducing policies to reduce emissions.

In Paris, Mayor Anne Hidalgo has led a landmark project restricting private vehicle access to the center of the city. The EU’s Urban Mobility Observatory reports that at the end of 2024 a “limited traffic zone” (ZTL) was created covering the four central districts, which has managed to drastically reduce vehicular traffic prioritizing the needs of pedestrians, cyclists and public transport. According to official data, these measures, which are being extended, have reduced traffic by more than 30%, significantly improving air quality and returning vital public spaces to residents and visitors.