NEW YORK, April 21 — New York will soon ban cars from its beloved Central Park, the city’s mayor announced yesterday, citing a commitment to reducing pollution and “prioritizing people over cars.”
Automobile traffic was already prohibited in the north of Manhattan’s iconic green space, which will celebrate its 160th birthday next year. Vehicles could still circulate, however, on three concrete lanes in the south: West Drive, Terrace Drive and Center Drive.
The traffic ban on those thruways will go into effect June 27, the day after the city’s public schools close for the summer.
The measure does not concern, however, four dedicated below-grade roads that cross the park’s width and are separated from the rest of the park by walls.
