20 December 2023
Europe's urban revolution against cars
In a bold move, European cities are increasingly adopting strategies to reduce car usage, aiming to cut air pollution and combat climate change.
Jon Henley, Stephen Burgen, and Lisa O'Carroll report for The Guardian.
In short:
- European cities are implementing various strategies like congestion charges, parking restrictions, and promoting public transport and cycling to reduce road traffic.
- These measures are driven by the need to address air pollution and climate crisis, despite resistance from some sectors viewing cars as symbols of personal freedom.
- Paris, Barcelona, and Brussels serve as case studies, each with unique approaches and challenges in reducing car dependency.
Key quote:
". . . car ownership has been falling of its own accord in big cities for some time. If there are acceptable alternatives – bikes or public transport – urban families are simply not replacing old cars. They don’t need another one, and it’s expensive.”"
— Pierre Zembri, professor of urban planning and transport at the University of Paris
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