The challenge
About 40% of motor traffic in the city centre was just passing through.
The case
In April 2017 the city of Ghent divided its centre into a car-free core and six sectors. Drivers can enter each sector from the ring road but cannot drive directly from one sector to another, while walkers, cyclists and buses can. The plan was introduced overnight using signs, bollards and cameras. A city count had shown nearly 40% of central motor traffic was through traffic. Reported results after the first year included a 12% drop in rush-hour car traffic and 25% more cyclists. The city’s 2030 target of a 35% cycling share was later reported as already reached. Transport & Mobility Leuven carried out independent evaluations in 2018 and 2019.
Why it worked
Cutting direct car routes rather than banning cars outright kept every address reachable while making the car slower than the bike for short trips.
Sources
- City of Ghent. The Circulation Plan.
- Transport & Mobility Leuven. Assessment of Gent’s traffic circulation plan.
- Transport & Environment (2019). How a Belgian city is cutting rush hour traffic.
Spot an error or know a better source? Tell us