Motorban

Motorban is a policy concept describing the restriction or prohibition of motorized vehicles within a defined area or during specific times. It is used in urban planning and environmental policy to reduce traffic, lower emissions, and improve street livability. The term covers measures that affect cars, motorcycles, and other motorized transport, and it can be permanent, temporary, or event-driven. Exemptions are common for emergency, service, and resident vehicles, depending on the design of the program.

Forms of motorban vary. They can include area-based bans that create car-free zones, time-based bans that prohibit motor traffic during certain hours, and vehicle-type bans that target older or more polluting vehicles. Some schemes are dynamic, linked to real-time air quality or congestion levels. Enforcement typically relies on signage, physical barriers, and automated monitoring, with penalties such as fines or impounded vehicles. Effective deployment often requires accompanying investments in public transit, cycling and walking infrastructure, and affordable alternatives to car travel.

Rationale for motorban centers on reducing air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, lowering noise, and improving pedestrian safety. Proponents argue that it can encourage shifts toward public transit, cycling, and walking, contributing to healthier and more sustainable urban environments. Critics raise concerns about accessibility, economic impact on local businesses, and the costs and equity of enforcement. The success of a motorban depends on context, design details, and the availability of viable mobility options for residents and workers.

Related concepts include car-free zones, congestion pricing, low-emission zones, and pedestrianization.