Summarising

Why cities are rethinking their streets. For most of the twentieth century, city streets were designed primarily for cars. Wide roads, multi-storey car parks and fast junctions were seen as signs of progress. By the 2000s, however, many cities began to question this model. Traffic jams had not disappeared as roads widened; instead, new roads tended to fill with new traffic, a phenomenon known as ‘induced demand’.

At the same time, research drew attention to the costs of car-dominated streets: air pollution, road deaths, noise and a lack of space for people to meet. Cities such as Paris, Barcelona and Seoul responded by removing lanes, planting trees and creating car-free zones. Early results suggest that local shops often benefit, as pedestrians and cyclists visit more frequently than drivers.

Critics warn that such changes can disadvantage people who depend on cars, such as some disabled residents and workers in areas with poor public transport. The most successful schemes therefore combine street redesign with better buses, accessible parking and consultation with residents.