Made for People, Not Cars: Reclaiming European Cities Author: Elena Ledda Date: 28 August 2025 Theme: Environment Read Time: 11 minutes Read original article --- Overview European cities face growing challenges due to an increase in passenger vehicles, leading to traffic congestion, air pollution, and loss of public spaces. Pontevedra, a municipality in northwest Spain, stands out as a successful example of reclaiming urban space for people rather than cars without banning private vehicles outright. --- The Transformation of Pontevedra Historical context: In the 1990s, Pontevedra was overwhelmed with cars, making public spaces inaccessible especially for the elderly and disabled. Leadership: Mayor Miguel Anxo Fernández Lores, elected in 1999, pursued an urban model centered on people, emphasizing the recovery of public space and universal accessibility. Traffic policies: Declared the entire urban area (~490 hectares) a "reduced traffic zone." Prohibited transit traffic and parking in the city center during night hours. Allowed only "necessary traffic" (emergency, deliveries, people with reduced mobility). Speed limits drastically reduced—down to 10 km/h in the city center and 30 km/h elsewhere. Cars rank last in the urban mobility hierarchy, after pedestrians, bicycles, scooters, and public transport. Impact: Traffic decreased by 40%, and CO2 emissions reduced by roughly 67% since the 1990s. No fatal road accidents in over a decade. 70% of trips are now done by walking or biking. 73% of children walk to school, enhancing safety and concentration. --- Urban Design and Social Effects Streets and sidewalks in the city center have become indistinguishable, allowing pedestrians priority over vehicles—pedestrians freely walk on streets while cars wait patiently. The approach encourages vibrant local commerce, social cohesion, and daily urban life, with thriving local shops and cultural events. The city offers over 3,500 free parking spaces within walking distance, combining accessibility with reduced private car use. --- Wider European Context Urbanization in the EU exceeds 75% of the population and is rising. Air pollution—especially from vehicles responsible for 37% of nitrogen oxide pollution—poses major health risks. EU initiatives supporting cleaner urban environments include: Green City Accord (commitment to air quality, noise reduction, biodiversity, circular economy). Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities EU Mission aiming for climate neutrality by 2030 in pilot cities, expanding across Europe by 2050. Spain mandates Low Emission Zones in municipalities above 50,000 population since 2022 to meet Paris Agreement targets. Other European cities with similar initiatives: Freiburg (Germany): about 30% of journeys by bike; car-free districts. Oslo (Norway): first European capital to fully ban cars in central areas, replaced parking with green spaces, benches, and bike paths. --- Crucial Factors for Success in Pontevedra Clear communication and education about the city’s vision. Community engagement involving "the most proactive and dynamic people." Incremental implementation, not outright car bans initially, giving time for adaptation. Expansion of sidewalks and pedestrian areas which naturally became hubs of activity. --- Recognition & Lessons Pontevedra has won multiple awards: UN-Habitat’s 2014 Dubai International Best Practices Award. 2020 European Commission’s EU Urban Road Safety Award for zero road deaths (2011–2018). Mayor Lores emphasizes that every city needs to tailor its own model but inspired by the principle: prioritize people over cars. --- Additional Notes The article is part of the