Fewer cars on Brussels’ roads

There are small signs of improvement for the world’s worst traffic city. The latest figures show that the number of cars on Brussels’ roads is falling, but that good news hasn’t translated into improved mobility. In the ten years between 2003 and 2013 road traffic has decreased 7%, a significant drop considering the population has grown by 16% over the same period.

Officials say that cars have become the second option among the city’s commuters, as walking and cycling have gained in popularity. Part of this shift away from cars was encouraged by reducing the space for automobiles, which has allowed more room for bikes and public transportation to thrive.

Despite the positive gains made to reduce cars, Brussels still has a long way to go in order to ease traffic congestion. The city is aiming on reducing traffic 6 to 10% by 2015, and 20% by 2018, which will be aided by the launch of the city’s RER rail line.