Fewer cars, more city

One of the nicest feelings in the city of Pontevedra today is the realization that the men and women who reside here are proud of the place in which they live. What started as an aspiration at the turn of the century has become a reality over the last few years. The face of Pontevedra has changed quite dramatically in a relatively short period of time and now distinguishes itself from other cities whose future was left in the hands of routine. Pontevedra has managed to domesticate traffic, abide by the strictest environmental protection guidelines to achieve sustainability, open its public spaces to foster cohabitation and social cohesion, reduce road violence radically, and help to protect the elderly, children, cyclists and pedestrians so that they can enjoy themselves moving around safely and leading healthier lives. The air is clean, there is almost no noise pollution and people have regained their city to transform it into a stimulating hub that has received the highest international recognition. Our urban model has emerged from participation and consensus and the great majority of the population advocates for steady but marked changes, placing natural mobility over motorized transport. The evolution of the city of Pontevedra is the result of political initiatives supported by the most dynamic sectors of the social fabric, who set the course of action and braved the storms that were to come. Each city should search for its path and find it, a path that is coherent with its history, as well as with its sociological and territorial features. There is no single prescription to ensure a safe journey, but there are certainly some inescapable essentials: we must build cities by keeping our surroundings and the environment in mind, holding our own through passing fashions. The present publication describes this gradual process of regeneration, providing the reader with relevant references and clarifying data derived from the principles of urban and environmental quality, thus showing that a different urban space is possible. We hope that you enjoy it and come to visit us if you want to know more about this eye-opening experience. Miguel Anxo Fernández Lores. Mayor of Pontevedra A DIFFERENT URBAN SPACE IS POSSIBLE

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