Oslo's Car-Free Dreams Easier Said Than Done

Touted as a leader among the European cities moving toward car-free streets, Oslo's ambitions of removing all cars from the city center has hit some roadblocks.

1 minute read

June 17, 2017, 5:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell

Evikka / Shutterstock

"When a progressive political alliance took power over Oslo’s city council in October 2015, they had made one of their first priorities a greener and more liveable environment in the city," according to an article by Athlyn Cathcart-Keays. "If pulled off, the plan would see Oslo become the first major European city to have a permanent, complete no-car-zone, racing ahead of a long list of cities seeking to do the same."

There was just one problem, Cathcart-Keays: backlash from conservative politicians and the city's trade association.

In response, the city has changed course deciding to ban parking and limit the lanes available to cars (even electric cars) throughout the city center. That plan has also proven unpopular with some in the city, however, which Cathcart-Keays explains in more detail.

FULL STORY: Oslo's car ban sounded simple enough. Then the backlash began

Tuesday, June 13, 2017 in The Guardian

Infrastructure Land Use Transportation Europe Oslo Car-Free Car-Free Streets Norway View More

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