Ivano-Frankivsk Mayor Proposes Odd-Even Car Ban to Ease Traffic Congestion

Mayor's Proposal for Voluntary Car Restrictions

According to Главком: In a radio interview on 'Zakhidny Polyus', Ivano-Frankivsk Mayor Ruslan Martsinkiv suggested a voluntary scheme to reduce city traffic jams. He proposed that on even-numbered calendar days, only cars with even-numbered license plates should drive, and on odd-numbered days, only those with odd-numbered plates. This type of odd-even traffic restriction is a common measure in cities worldwide facing severe congestion, though Mayor Martsinkiv emphasized participation would be voluntary.

Analysis of the City's Traffic Situation

The increase in Ivano-Frankivsk's traffic is attributed to a rise in transit movement and vehicles brought by internally displaced persons. Concurrently, in 2025, only 504 luxury cars subject to a special tax were imported into Ukraine. This figure is 3.2 times lower than the previous year and marks the lowest level in the past five years. Of these vehicles, 232 were Porsches, accounting for 64% of all luxury car imports in this category.

Therefore, the mayor's odd-even license plate proposal could be one potential solution for improving road conditions in Ivano-Frankivsk, given the current trends of rising automobile traffic.

This proposed restriction is an attempt to address the city's pressing traffic problems, which reflect a broader trend of increasing car ownership. The sharp decline in luxury car imports may indicate a shift in consumer purchasing behavior. Implementing this initiative effectively would likely require supplementary measures, such as:

• public awareness campaigns;
• providing reliable alternative transportation options.

These steps would help achieve the desired effect of reducing gridlock.