The city has been divided since a war was launched to limit the number of cars. People have been divided into those who want a green capital and those who believe that the "war on cars" is inhibiting individual freedom.
Fighting cars for people
Hanna Marcussen from the town hall says: "We need to give this city back to the people so that our children can play safely and the elderly can sit on a bench without stress." The councilor responsible for urban development says that to do this, people need to get rid of their cars. Oslo has recently developed a number of measures to discourage car users. 700 eliminated parking spaces, the city center was "rearranged", streets were turned into pedestrian sidewalks and entry fees were increased. This fight was called the "Berlin Wall against drivers." Currently, in the center of Oslo, in an area of 1,9 km2, where 5500 people live and 120 people work - the only cars that can be found there are taxis, vehicles for disabled people, emergency vehicles and a small number of lost and confused drivers. Ms. Hanna Marcussen adds that in 000 Oslo will eliminate most private cars.
European Green Capital
Oslo has been designated by the European Commission as the "European Green Capital" for 2019. The city hopes that efforts so far will clean its air, encourage cultural activity and reduce carbon emissions, with the goal of reducing it by 95 percent by 2030. The changes made so far have already brought many effects, such as increasing the visibility of cafes and garden furniture that are placed next to them, as well as a large number of bicycle stands. Oslo is at the forefront of a broader trend with other large European cities such as Paris, Madrid, Brussels and Helsinki. All of these have a common goal to make the public less familiar with car use.
Numerous protests
As it happens in life and politics, such changes always bring a lot of supporters, but also opponents. Currently, the Public Relations Executive writes the “Yes or Cars in Oslo” bulletin, which already associates over 23 people on Facebook, who sometimes speak very sharply about the changes taking place. We can read: "I don't know how it will all end but I don't think happy cyclists would come for street performances and dancing in January when it's -20 ° C (-4 ° F) with snow up to your knees . "
Cyclists are happy
As it turns out, the cyclists are delighted. "It's going to be great," says Christopher Olsson, a photographer who usually cycles around town. "There are many conflicts between drivers and cyclists, ale if we eliminate cars completely, we must improve public transport, both in terms of price and quality, ”he adds.
Problem with public transport
Currently, it costs almost six euros ($ 7) to buy one ticket. Public transport is still very expensive and not everyone can afford it. In addition, there are numerous complaints of its users, which mainly relate to delays, and these are not very nice if a person has to wait in minus temperature.
