Guidance on Car‑Restrictive Measures for Urban Mobility Planning

This framework offers a structured approach for evaluating and implementing non‑economic, physical measures that reduce car use and promote sustainable travel in urban areas. Developed by Norconsult for the Norwegian Environment Agency (Miljødirektoratet), it catalogs interventions such as parking restrictions, traffic‑restricted zones, speed reductions and road‑space reallocation. The methodology combines a systematic literature review, model‑based analyses and synthesis of national and international experiences, providing decision‑support for municipalities and transport authorities aiming to meet climate goals, improve local environments and enhance quality of life.

Guiding principles and recommendations

Guiding principles

• Systematic assessment – Each measure is evaluated for geographic suitability, effectiveness, feasibility and implementation timeline.
• Context sensitivity – Impacts depend on local conditions (alternative‑mode availability, urban density).
• Combination of measures – Greatest effect is achieved by deploying multiple, context‑tailored interventions together.
• Stakeholder engagement – Successful rollout requires collaboration among municipalities, transport authorities and private actors.
• Continuous evaluation – Ongoing monitoring and adaptation are essential to manage unintended consequences such as traffic displacement.

Key recommendations

1. Prioritise car‑restrictive measures in zones with strong public‑transport and active‑mobility options.
2. Deploy parking restrictions, traffic‑restricted zones and speed reductions to discourage car use and encourage modal shift.
3. Pair restrictive measures with improvements to public transport, walking and cycling infrastructure to maintain accessibility and gain public acceptance.
4. Assess long‑term effects and potential traffic displacement when designing interventions.
5. Engage stakeholders early and communicate benefits to build support.
6. Monitor outcomes continuously and adjust strategies to maximise effectiveness and minimise negative impacts.