The Green Party Introduces Low-Speed Zones

The red-green administration’s war against motorists in the Swedish capital has been a prolonged affair since the 2022 election. Recently, even more parking spaces were removed, and now another measure is being launched.

“Time for cars to slow down,” writes the Green Party Stockholm in a press release announcing the introduction of what they call a low-speed zone. As of April 1, the recommended speed limit will be 20 km/h in a large number of blocks on Södermalm.

“In many parts of Stockholm, car traffic acts as a barrier cutting straight through residential areas. When cars slow down, the space between buildings can become more of a meeting place. It’s a way to make streets safer for everyone, but especially for children,” says Lars Strömgren (Green Party), Traffic Commissioner for the City of Stockholm.

The low-speed zone connects to the so-called city environment zone already established on Södermalm, where car traffic has been replaced with “city life and greenery,” letting cafes and restaurants move into spaces that were once parking spots.

Together, the city environment zone and the new low-speed zone cover an area of over 200,000 square meters.

– The goal is for the streets to be our shared living room. I want the sound of Stockholm to be the murmur and laughter from outdoor cafés, rather than the noise of cars, says Lars Strömgren (Green Party), Traffic Commissioner for the City of Stockholm.

More Outdoor Seating

Making traffic and transport more difficult has led to a record number of outdoor cafés, now surpassing 3,000 for the first time. The Green Party sees this as a victory in itself and aims to increase the number even further.

– Stockholm should be a city for those who love to enjoy life. I want to make it easier to greet spring with a coffee or a glass of natural wine at a sunny outdoor café, says Lars Strömgren (Green Party), Traffic Commissioner for the City of Stockholm.