Oslo's Car-Free Dreams Easier Said Than Done

"When a progressive political alliance took power over Oslo’s city council in October 2015, they had made one of their first priorities a greener and more liveable environment in the city," according to an article by Athlyn Cathcart-Keays. "If pulled off, the plan would see Oslo become the first major European city to have a permanent, complete no-car-zone, racing ahead of a long list of cities seeking to do the same."

There was just one problem, Cathcart-Keays: backlash from conservative politicians and the city's trade association.

In response, the city has changed course deciding to ban parking and limit the lanes available to cars (even electric cars) throughout the city center. That plan has also proven unpopular with some in the city, however, which Cathcart-Keays explains in more detail.