The center of the Spanish city of Madrid intends to become completely pedestrian oriented — car free — by 2020. The 2020 Mobility Plan comes with new legislation set for January that will enforce new policies to keep cars out of almost 500 acres in the core of the city as part of the long-term plan.
The aim to gradually pedestrianize the city center unfolds as Madrid has also raised on-street parking rates. There is increased use of speed enforcement cameras to quiet and discourage traffic and, thus, protect and enable walking, biking, and transit.
Arch Daily reports that, unless you are a resident within the city’s most central barrios, you will be fined heavily for driving in this section of the city. As Justice Minister Alberto Ruiz-Gallardón describes: “The main objective is to reduce traffic passing through neighborhoods and looking for parking agitation, while increasing parking spaces for residents.”
Continuing, Arch Daily reports: “Vehicles not belonging to residents within the city’s four most central barrios will be restricted to large avenues. If a vehicle enters the car-less zone, and does not have access to one of the 13 official parking lots, the owner will be automatically ticketed €90 ($115 US).”
Automotive congestion should not define city life for billions of people, with the toxic air that comes with it as by-product. Some dream of eliminating cars from major cities. Madrid may not be going that far, but this is a strong 2020 goal.
If you are not in Madrid or another European city but live in the States, one critical idea if you are leaning toward car free is to plan to live near good public transit. Riding transit could even make you a bit happier—after all, nobody likes being stuck in traffic, and you have a lot you can now do in transit if you don’t have to drive. You will save money as well.
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