Skip to Content
Streetsblog USA home
Streetsblog USA home
Log In

A major city center without cars? Madrid is going to come close sometime in the next year, says the administration of Mayor Manuela Carmena.

Earlier this week, Madrid officials announced their intention to ban non-resident cars inside the ring of avenues around the city center, CityLab's Feargus O'Sullivan reports. Central city streets will no longer be through routes for private cars, and no major roads will be exempt.

It's the continuation of Carmena's concerted policies to reduce traffic and motor vehicle usage. Since 2015, Madrid has restricted car traffic in three residential zones. And last year, Carmena announced plans to make Gran Via, a six-lane highway that runs through the city center, car-free. During a nine-day trial of a Gran Via without cars in 2016, nearby shop owners reported a 15 percent increase in business, O'Sullivan reports.

This summer the city will use paint and signals to mark the "Área de Prioridad Residencial" (APR), where through traffic will be restricted.

Area-central-cero-emisiores_EDIIMA20170920_0985_28
Private motor vehicle through traffic will no longer be allowed on Madrid's Área de Prioridad Residencial, with a phased implementation starting in November. Map: City of Madrid
Madrid's Área de Prioridad Residencial will become car free -- residents excepted -- in November. Map: City of Madrid

The policy will be phased in starting this November. At first drivers passing though will just be warned. By February, drivers violating the policy will be fined €90 via camera enforcement.

The low-car city center is one of 30 measures Madrid is taking to reduce pollution under its "Plan A," reports El Diario.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog USA

Trump’s Electrification Cuts are Short-Sighted: Report

EV infrastructure is far more valuable to the nation's prosperity and jobs market than the White House believes, according to a new report.

October 15, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines Hurry Up and Wait

As cities save lives by slowing down traffic, every 5-miles-per-hour increase on interstates increases the chances of death by 8.5 percent.

October 15, 2025

The Audacious Idea to Connect America With Trails Is More Necessary Now Than Ever

Seattle's bike blogger takes a ride on some of Washington's best rail trails — and makes the case for extending the "Great American Rail Trail" across the country.

October 15, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines Are on Fire

Withholding funding for mass transit is just one aspect of the Trump administration's cheerleading for climate change.

October 14, 2025

This Year’s ‘Week Without Driving’ Proved America Needs More Transportation Choices

This micromobility provider helped U.S. residents attempt the 'week without driving' challenge – and revealed where they need more mobility alternatives.

October 14, 2025
See all posts