Conspiracy theories misconstrue '15-minute city' idea

Cities where people can live a short walk from work, school and other daily essentials rather than braving traffic-clogged highways or long commutes: utopian ideal or dystopian nightmare?

In 2023, apparently, it depends on who you ask.

Some conservative commentators and conspiracy theorists are increasingly convinced the concept of a "15-minute city" — an urban design principle recently embraced by cities ranging from Paris, France to Cleveland, Ohio — is the latest nefarious plot to curtail individual freedoms.

"You won't be able to use your own car on certain roads and highways without the government's permission and consent," claimed one Instagram user in a recent video that's been liked more than 5400 times.

"You will be constantly monitored by surveillance cameras to ensure that you don't leave your designated residential zone without first being authorised to do so."

But urban experts and city officials stress the idea has nothing to do with regulating people's movements or taking away other freedoms.

In some cases, they say, it's being wrongly conflated with local plans to mitigate traffic-clogged roads.