In a bold move to reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality, the city of Amsterdam is encouraging drivers to leave their cars outside city limits and take advantage of free parking options in neighboring municipalities such as Haarlem and Almere.

The initiative is part of Amsterdam's ongoing efforts to make the city more livable by discouraging car usage in the urban core. With limited space and growing concerns over emissions and traffic jams, officials believe that pushing parking beyond city borders is a logical step.

“Amsterdam wasn’t built for this many cars,” a city spokesperson said. “We’re asking drivers to consider more sustainable ways of visiting the city—like parking further out and completing their journey by public transport.”