Firstly, I’m aware that my question gives the impression that I hold anti-urbaninst views but that’s not the case. If such a measure were to be implemented I would fully support it. I’m merely curious as to what would happen to emergency services if a total ban on personal, motorized vehicles was enacted. I’m especially curious to how cities or even countries with low car dependency handle EMS.
Emergency vehicles are not personal vehicles.
We want to ban cars, not:
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tradespersons’ work trucks and vans
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public transit, including taxis and paratransit vans
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emergency vehicles
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shipping trucks
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vintage cars-as-art-objects (though we would ban driving them)
This is what much of nyc traffic has become, esp in Manhattan.
My guess would be that taxis are a large fraction of that traffic, and that would be the first variable to turn down once those categories congest the system by themselves.
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Thank you, everyone! Before I go any further, let me address the obvious: the dislikes. This question was received negatively and, to be honest, it was well deserved. Reading my post once again, it was poorly worded and gives the impression of naivety. Nonetheless, I loved the answers that I received. Really great points; some of which I hadn’t considered before. Once again, I want to thank all of you for your feedback.
JFC no one is suggesting banning emergency vehicles.
Pedestrianised areas are still accessible by emergency services.
By banning cars: public transport would still be required, deliveries would still need to be made, and i imagine there would be allowances for accessibility requirements.
Its not like cities would place down concrete blocks to entirely cut off access for all vehiclesBan cars to me is shorthand for ban private cars, has nothing to do with EMS, or even public owned shared cars for that occasional time a car might necessary.
An 80% reduction in cars should be easy. 90% reduction with a few tweeks i’d think.
