Bucharest Mayor Ciprian Ciucu debates reintroducing cars to Old Town

Mayor Ciprian Ciucu said the city is reviewing the possibility of allowing cars back into Bucharest’s Old Town (Centrul Vechi). He described the earlier pedestrian‑only scheme as “mistaken” and argued that a mixed‑use area would benefit daytime businesses. Ciucu mentioned creating a nearby parking facility on French Street and suggested limited one‑way access of about 100 metres without on‑street parking, while also asking local police to increase monitoring.

Later, Ciucu clarified his position, stating “nu susțin reintroducerea mașinilor în Centrul Vechi” (he does not support re‑introducing cars). He emphasized that the municipality will not bring back full traffic, proposing instead a small access point and a parking lot to revive daytime commerce without restoring regular car flow.