Decision in Vienna is getting closer: Car-free inner city before the end?

For weeks, Vienna has been discussing a car-free inner city - next Wednesday the matter will finally be discussed in detail. Austrian media, however, view the project with mixed feelings. The daily newspaper Der Kurier reports that Vienna's Lord Mayor Michael Ludwig (SPÖ) could topple the almost agreed project of a car-free city centre at the last minute. The background could be, among other things, the loud protest of local traders whose shops are located in the zone in the inner city area, which would be directly affected by the traffic-technical innovation. Critics also complain that a car-free city centre would automatically lead to an inflationary increase in traffic in neighbouring districts. But don't those responsible, under the leadership of Lord Mayor Ludwig, make it too easy for themselves if they stop this ambitious project just before it is too late? The European metropolis of Vienna could serve as a shining example and take on a pioneering role and serve as a positive role model for other major cities.

To spontaneously bury the project car-free Vienna again after the media focus that had preceded it is inconsistent, embarrassing and gives the impression that Vienna wants to take the path of least resistance to the detriment of the environment and the health of its inhabitants.

Shame on you, Vienna, you can do better than that!