Traffic restrictions as a way to reduce the level of car-centricity of the city

Modern cities are overloaded with cars, so progressive administrators are shifting their focus towards optimising traffic flow, reducing delays, improving road safety and creating comfortable conditions for pedestrians and public transport users, including by restricting traffic in city centres. The aim of this study was to analyse the measures implemented in European cities to reduce traffic congestion in city centres, as well as the results they have achieved. The article analysed modern traffic management methods used in European cities (Barcelona, Madrid, Paris, Stockholm) and New York, and identifies their advantages, problematic aspects of implementation, and potential impact on the further development of urban mobility. Based on the results of the work, it was determined that a considerable number of European cities have adopted a shift from a car-centric urban planning model to one that prioritises population mobility. This transition has been accompanied by a notable increase in the infrastructure dedicated to pedestrian and bicycle traffic. The systematic increase in dependence on cars has led to the expected consequences – exceeding the capacity of the built road network, resulted in a high number of concentrated traffic jams, and increased emissions of hazardous substances. To combat the consequences of congestion in cities, especially in central areas, a number of countries have implemented restrictions related to both a complete traffic ban and financial payments for travel in selected areas. The long-standing and recently introduced restrictions have had a clear impact on reducing traffic in selected areas, thereby decreasing travel time and CO2 emissions. The practical value of this work lies in the fact that it provides an opportunity to develop and implement effective solutions to reduce traffic congestion in central Kyiv, based on the successful experience of European cities