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Utrecht plans car-free neighbourhood, launches mobility company
Utrecht is planning to make the new Merwede district car-free and announced the founding of a municipal mobility company to help keep the neighbourhood car-free.
City authorities headed by Mayor of Utrecht Sharon Dijksma noted that the neighbourhood of more than 10,000 residents will maintain mobility with the help of public-private partnership.
Utrecht pointed out that the model is unique in the Netherlands and noted that residents and visitors will park in underground garages on the edge of the district.
City authorities stressed that other parts of the district will not be accessible by car and added that temporary exemptions will be granted for moving and similar purposes.
By removing cars from the district, the city leaves more room for public green areas and improves air quality, among other.
The district will be connected to existing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure and the new municipal transport company will offer various environmentally friendly services. Among other, the company will operate parking garages and adjust the model as needed.
Parking garages on the outskirts will have room for roughly 1,800 vehicles, which is less than one car per household, but will boast approximately 25,000 bicycle parking spaces.
The first homes in the new district should be completed in 2025 or 2026, with city authorities pointing out that temporary mobility services will be provided if the projects are completed ahead of schedule.
(Photo credit: Robin Ooode / Unsplash)
