As urban centers across the U.S. continue to grapple with rising car congestion, cities in Europe are leading the way with innovative policies aimed at reducing vehicle use. More than 340 European cities have adopted various car-reduction measures, including congestion fees and full bans on polluting vehicles in central areas, signaling a significant shift towards cleaner, more livable cities.

Among the cities at the forefront of this movement is Paris, where ambitious initiatives have transformed the urban landscape. Since 1990, the French capital has removed 50,000 parking spaces and shut down major roads to car traffic, successfully reducing car journeys by nearly half. These changes are part of a broader effort to address pollution, improve public health, and combat climate change. Paris’ actions reflect a growing recognition that urban environments must prioritize people over cars.

Such initiatives are not without controversy, however. While many Europeans support car-reduction policies for their environmental and public health benefits, some residents and businesses have voiced strong opposition. Legal challenges, protests, and acts of vandalism have accompanied efforts to remove parking spaces, limit vehicle access, and redesign streets to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists. Despite this backlash, cities across the continent continue to expand and refine their vehicle restrictions, demonstrating their commitment to improving air quality and fostering healthier urban environments.

Barbara Stoll, director of the Clean Cities Campaign, highlights the regulatory culture that has underpinned the success of many European cities in shifting away from car dependency. “We are a continent of regulation. We regulate, and then things happen,” Stoll notes, pointing to the vital role of government policies in driving change. Indeed, regulations such as low-emission zones, congestion charges, and restrictions on car access have become integral tools for European cities looking to tackle both the environmental and health impacts of transportation.

The importance of reducing car usage cannot be overstated. Cities are major contributors to climate emissions, with transportation being a significant factor. Cars, particularly gas-powered vehicles, are responsible for a large portion of air pollution, which negatively impacts heart and lung health. Reducing car usage is, therefore, a key element in the broader fight against climate change. However, the transition away from car-dominated cities is often fraught with challenges. In many European cities, particularly those shaped by mid-20th-century planning, cars still dominate the streets. Efforts to reclaim public space from cars—whether by removing parking spots or restricting access to certain areas—are often met with resistance from residents who are accustomed to the convenience of driving.

The question of who gets to use city streets, and for what purpose, goes beyond urban planning. It touches on deeper issues of equity and identity. Many people see car ownership as an essential part of their daily lives, and any threat to that can feel like a challenge to their personal autonomy. The shift towards car-reduction policies thus sparks broader debates about the future of urban spaces and who they are designed to serve.

The experience of European cities offers valuable lessons for other parts of the world, including the U.S., where car congestion is becoming an increasingly urgent problem. Cities that have embraced vehicle restrictions demonstrate that it is possible to create more sustainable, people-friendly urban environments, even in the face of opposition. However, as the European example shows, such transitions require careful planning, strong political will, and a willingness to engage with the complex social and cultural dynamics that shape attitudes towards cars.

In the end, Europe’s bold approach offers a glimpse into what could be possible if cities put people over cars—providing cleaner air, safer streets, and healthier communities for generations to come.