Why motorists are unhappy about Oslo’s ‘war on cars’

Determined to go green, Oslo, Norway, is slowly but surely ridding its city centre of motorists, angering some who say the “war on cars” is putting the brakes on individual freedoms.

“We have to give the city back to the people, so children can play safely, so elderly people can have more benches to sit on,” says Hanna Marcussen outside the City Hall, its square recently blocked off to traffic. “In order to do that, you have to get rid of cars,” the Greens city councillor in charge of urban development says.

Oslo has devised several dissuasive measures: it has eliminated 700 parking spots, rezoned the city centre, turned streets into pedestrian walkways, and has raised the price of congestion tolls. It’s not the outright ban that was initially feared — and which prompted one lawmaker to call it “a Berlin Wall against motorists”.

But in a 1.9-sq-kilometre zone in Oslo’s centre — where some 5,500 people live and 1,20,000 people work — the only cars to be seen are taxis, vehicles for the handicapped, emergency vehicles and a few lost motorists. “In 2020, we will have eliminated most private cars,” says Hanna.

Designated “European Green Capital” by the European Commission for 2019, Oslo hopes the move will purify air, encourage more cultural activities and reduce carbon dioxide emissions, which it aims to cut by 95% by 2030. Oslo is spearheading a broader trend in cities like Paris, Madrid, Brussels and Helsinkiall .

“What is most tragic about this war on cars is that politicians are attacking people’s freedoms and their wallets,” says Jarle Aabo. “I don’t think happy cyclists are going to come do street performances... in January when it’s -20°C.”

“It’s going to be great,” says Christopher Olsson, a photographer. “But we need to improve public transport,” he adds. But with a single ticket costing almost €6, public transport is expensive. Users also complain about delays. Some shopkeepers are also not happy. “Our clients complain that they can’t come,” says Terje Cosma, owner of a bed store inside the “no-car” zone. The shop’s business has collapsed since July. Two other boutiques have already closed up shop.

Marcussen, however, remains confident.