The City of Antwerp wants 83% of the streets between the Scheldekaaien (Scheldt Quays), the Oudeleeuwenrui, the Leien (the Boulevards) and the Kronenburgstraat to be car-free or almost car-free. Autovrij and autoluw in Dutch.
Antwerp’s historic, 16th century, centre contains 73 (!) km of streets. 13% is marked as residential yard, 28% car-free. By 2024 this should be 16% and 29%. After 2024 this should b together 83%.
Yardstick
The keyword is yard. A residential yard (woonerf) is an almost car-free zone where people reside and motor vehicles are only occasional guests. A yard (erf) also allows small businesses such as bars and restaurants.
Only motor vehicles of residents will be allowed to park. There will be some exceptions: for caregivers, handymen and such professions.
We’ll have to wait and see what it will be in reality.

The 110th edition of the Tour of Flanders or Ronde van Vlaanderen starts in Antwerp, after a one-year detour in Bruges in West Flanders. The…