There is a trend of vehicle-free days in cities in which private cars, trucks, and motorcycles are completely banned from the city center. Therefore, only public transportation such as buses, taxis, and the metro is available for citizens. While this policy might cause some inconveniences, I believe that the benefits for the environment, public awareness, and commerce are much greater than the drawbacks.
Admittedly, the reduction of transportation can lead to a positive impact on the environment. When reducing the number of vehicles in the area, foremost, the air pollution and noise pollution would be mitigated significantly, creating a cleaner and pleasant atmosphere for citizens. This change not only creates a friendly environment but also creates a healthy habit for the public. If we implement this policy for a long period, a habit that allows people to use public transportation instead of private vehicles will gradually form, leading to a more sustainable travel habit. For example, people will be more willing to use the metro and buses after realizing that these options are practical and environmentally friendly. Moreover, by banning transportation in the center, that area would be safe for pedestrian walking and foster entertaining and commercial development. In Viet Nam, Nguyen Hue Street has become a famous place for walking and shopping, which is visited by millions of tourists every year, as it has abandoned vehicles in some peak hours or special occasions.
In contrast, for certain people, the abandonment of private cars in cities might trigger dissatisfactions, since they could have some emergency circumstances to use private transportation. Such situations, such as important meetings, rescue situations, or even daily activities, without private transportation, could be impossible to implement, thereby causing numerous complaints from the citizens. Another affected group is businesses that rely on transport access. In reality, food and letter delivery may experience contemporary disruptions if trucks or motorbikes are banned, which eventually makes their businesses become stagnant in those days. However, these drawbacks are usually short-term and can be minimized by proper planning, improved transport capacity, and clear communication with the public.
In conclusion, while a vehicle-free policy in cities may precipitate inconveniences for the citizens, the advantages are undeniably necessary for the sake of the environment, public health and commercial development.