Salzburg reduced traffic with summer restrictions
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In Salzburg, Austria, city officials reduced the number of car trips into the city by approximately 1,000 per day during a summer trial period.
Mayor Bernhard Auinger and Planning Councillor Anna Schiester announced the success of the traffic restrictions, which limited access for vehicles without local license plates. The city sold around 14,896 combination tickets for park-and-ride services, a gain of about 5,400 compared to 2025, and saw fewer fully occupied parking garages in the old town.
Traffic flow improved on key inner city routes and researchers found no increased congestion on alternative roads. Officials believe the reduction in car trips is credible, especially on days with poor weather that typically draw tourists from surrounding areas. The restrictions applied to vehicles lacking license plates from Salzburg city and surrounding districts, with exceptions for deliveries, hotel guests, and those with disabilities or jobs in the old town.
Despite the city’s positive assessment, the Salzburg Chamber of Commerce, along with the ÖVP and FPÖ parties, criticised the scheme. They argued the improved traffic was primarily due to the extended period of good weather, and the restrictions were not a viable, long-term solution. However, a survey of 510 residents showed 78 percent supported the restrictions on through traffic from outside the area, and the city plans to strengthen the regulations again in 2027.
