Barcelona has reduced vehicle traffic by 11% in the last eight years, according to a report presented by the city council.
The data collected shows that traffic fell by 9% between 2015 and 2022 and that the trend has intensified in the first quarter of 2023, reaching a cumulative reduction of 11%.
This report is based on measurements of the passage of vehicles along the Rondas, the main access roads to the city and the central Eixample, both transversely and from sea to mountain and vice versa.
The only place where there has been an increase in traffic is the Ronda de Dalt, with 8% more traffic than eight years ago.
Carrer València, an alternative route to the Eix Verd at Consell de Cent, also saw a 10% reduction in vehicle traffic.
This street saw a 10% reduction in vehicle traffic after the installation of a cycle lane and a change from three to two lanes at Rambla Catalunya.
Moreover, the Barcelona City Council report denies the general public’s belief that the construction of the Eix Verd de Consell de Cent had diverted traffic to Carrer València, generating more traffic on this street.
The Glòries tunnel, one of the main points of traffic entering and leaving Barcelona, is also among the points analysed in the report.
Reducing vehicle traffic: good news for the environment
The reduction of traffic in Barcelona is good news for the environment and for the quality of life of citizens.
Air pollution caused by traffic has become a major environmental problem in cities.
Reducing traffic is one of the best ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.
In this regard, Barcelona City Council has been promoting various measures in recent years to encourage the use of public transport and reduce the use of private cars.
One of the most important measures has been the extension of the network of cycle lanes in the city, to encourage the use of bicycles as a sustainable form of transport.
According to the City Council, 57% of Barcelona’s citizens prefer to use public transport or walk around the city.
This reflects a clear trend towards more sustainable mobility and less reliance on private vehicles.
The city has an extensive public transport network, including metro, buses, trams and trains, which facilitates citizens’ mobility and helps to reduce traffic congestion on the streets.
