Helsinki’s City Environment Board to discuss Kaivokatu car-free zone proposal

On Tuesday, Helsinki’s City Environment Board will discuss the proposal to transform Kaivokatu, which runs in front of the main railway station, into a car-free zone. The topic was tabled during the previous meeting and is now back for consideration.

We asked the leaders of the three largest council groups for their views on the plan. Amanda Pasanen, leader of the Green Party council group, expressed excitement about making Kaivokatu a more inviting space without cars. “Kaivokatu is the gateway to the city and the busiest pedestrian area in the country. Many people visiting Helsinki for the first time come from the railway station. Currently, it is not perceived as a pleasant or safe environment,” she said.

Maarit Vierunen, leader of the National Coalition Party council group, emphasized that for the proposal to be approved, the smooth flow of car traffic must be ensured. “Helsinki’s National Coalition has always believed that all modes of transport should have access to the city center,” Vierunen stated. The plan includes maintaining four car lanes on Esplanade, which Vierunen considers a minimum requirement for any changes to Kaivokatu.

Eveliina Heinäluoma, leader of the Social Democratic Party group, noted that the changes aim to enhance the vitality of the center. “Our group sees much good in this plan. The removal of cars allows for the development of the area around the railway station, providing new opportunities for cafes and restaurants,” Heinäluoma remarked.

While Vierunen suggests opening the underground service tunnel to traffic, Pasanen countered that current technical limitations prevent this. The intention is to direct vehicles through the tunnel to parking facilities. Heinäluoma added that enabling through traffic in the service tunnel would be expensive, advocating instead for optimizing its current use. Vierunen proposed that Kaivokatu might retain one lane for car use if full closure is not viable.