The EU Green Paper on Transport lists a growing number of European cities which are restricting car use on environmental and health grounds. They include :
Belgium - Ghent.The first action taken by a city cycling campaign was to declare an annual European Car Free Day which has proved very successful, with approximately two-thirds of car drivers choosing to get out of their cars and onto a bicycle for the day. Source: www.eltis.org
Bulgaria -In partnership with the Union of Bulgarian Black Sea Local Authorities, the project targets both international and domestic tourists promoting green transport including dedicated bus services and newly created cycle lanes and walking routes. Solar powered vehicles are being tested at Black Sea resorts. Source: www.eltis.org
Cyprus -Nicosia. Road user charges are being restructured to reflect the full cost of travel.
Source: Ministry of Communications and Works of Cyprus
Czech Republic - Prague.Restricted access for heavy vehicles is at the heart of the of the city's urban development initiative.
Source: www.civitas-initiative.org
Denmark - Aalborg.City authorities have implemented a car-sharing scheme. Pick up sites are located 500m to 1km apart in areas with high population density, near bicycle rental centres and public transport hubs. Source: www.civitas-initiative.org
Finland - Turku.The Telepay project developed virtual e-tickets via mobile phones and was then tested in Berlin, Rome, Turku and Paris Ile. Turku Public Transport Authorities continue it as a commercial service. A separate project in Helsinki aims to reduce car use by making public transport information more accessible. Source: www.eltis.org
Germany - Bremen.Smart-card e-tickets have been introduced such as the BOB-ticket, a special chip-card targeting non-frequent public transport passengers which allows the customer to "ride now, pay later". Valid on bus train or tram. Source: www.civitas-initiative.org
Greece - Thessaloniki.To combat high noise levels and air pollution, the city council is promoting the use of clean vehicles - electric power assisted bikes, electric scooters, hybrid passenger cars and a natural gas minibus. Source: www.eltis.org
Hungary - Pécs.To reduce use of private cars, the city has introduced a mixture of parking restrictions, car-free zones, increased parking fees and new clean public transport vehicles. Source: www.civitas-initiative.org
Lithuania - Vilnius.A number of initiatives across the city include the 'school by bike' scheme, which aims to change the attitudes of children from five secondary schools to encourage them to use bicycles and live a more healthy, mobile lifestyle. Source: www.eltis.org
Malta - Valletta.A sophisticated camera system was set up on May 1st, 2007 across the city centre. It charges vehicles according to how long they are within the city boundary. Source : The Ministry of Urban Development and Roads of Malta.
The Netherlands - Rotterdam. A key aspect of Rotterdam's policy is to stimulate new forms of vehicle use and ownership, including bicycle use and it is also expanding water-borne passenger transport. Source: www.civitas-initiative.org
In Amsterdam with Park and Bike, users can park their car and hire a bike in the same location.
Spain - Barcelona. The'Miracles' project provides solutions to manage the traffic of goods in the city whilst also minimising congestion. On-street parking spaces are effectively used as loading spaces during non-peak hours. Source: www.civitas-initiative.org