Salzburg Launches City Center Traffic Restrictions

Salzburg's new traffic zone limits city center access to local residents, aiming to reduce daily car trips by 1,000 starting July 2026.

Salzburg's red-red-green coalition, led by Mayor Bernhard Auiniger and Traffic Councilor Anna Schiester, established a restricted traffic zone in the city center this July. The regulation limits access via Müllner Hügel, Imbergstraße, and Schwarzstraße to vehicles with license plates from Salzburg, Salzburg Land, Hallein, and Rupertiwinkel. Aiming to reduce the 12,000 daily trips through Neutor by 1,000, the city deployed five security personnel to assist drivers. Despite opposition from the ÖVP and FPÖ, Park-and-Ride sales have spiked; the Designer Outlet saw a 117 percent increase, while airport parking matched July 2025 totals within two weeks. A 7.50 Euro P&R ticket includes 24-hour parking and transit for five people. The Neutor will close entirely in September 2026 for Festival Hall construction, though festival guests remain exempt during performances.