There are also far fewer deaths from road accidents. The Guardian reported that there were 30 road deaths between 1996 and 2006, and 10 between 2006 and 2009 – and there have been absolutely none in the last 10 years.
Nearly 75% of journeys that used to be made by car are now made by bicycle or on foot. While most other towns in the region have seen their population decline over the years, Pontevedra’s population has grown by 12,000.
The main complaints about the ban relate to increased traffic around the perimeter of Pontevedra and the lack of public transport between the outskirts and the city center. Residents, however, told the Guardian they find Pontevedra easy to navigate and see it as a good place to raise children. Raquel Garcia told the newspaper: “I’ve lived in Madrid and many other places and it’s heaven for me. Even if it’s raining, I walk everywhere.”
The ban didn’t hurt Lloris’ popularity either. He has been re-elected four times since the car ban came into effect and remains mayor to this day.
There are few other car-free cities in the world. Venice is arguably the most famous and its many canals make driving impossible. Other cities, such as Ghent in Belgium, have decided to ban cars to reduce road deaths and air pollution.
