A major change for drivers in the city. As of today, a ban on all vehicles in Central Park north of 72nd Street that had been in place during the summers will be enforced year-round. NY1's Michael Herzenberg filed this report.

The change means cyclists can peddle in the park with fewer obstacles.

"I've been riding in the park for a million years. I come out a little early to make sure there's no people and no cars. It will be nice to get a little extra sleep," said one cyclist NY1 spoke with.

And joggers north of 72nd Street don't have to share the road with cars.

"Cars certainly make it less desirable to run in the park and want to encourage healthy living," said one woman.

Pet owners are cheering, too.

"It's safer, it's better for us," said another woman.

Vehicles once were allowed free reign inside Central Park, but restrictions have been growing through the years. Here's how things stand now.

All roads in the park north of 72nd Street are now car-free. The West Drive is open to cars weekday mornings. Center Drive allows cars during weekdays. The four transverses crossing the park remain open.

"As we've closed more and more entrances in the park the traffic volume has gone down over time," said Polly Trottenberg, Transportation Commissioner. "There was a peak at one point here of 2,500 cars per hour. You want to be careful you're not spilling too many cars out onto the local streets because that does become a safety issue."

Some Harlem lawmakers said they fear more congestion north of the park.

Drivers we spoke with in Harlem didn't seem to notice a change but said they want the park open to them during rush hours.

The Central Park Conservancy said the permanent closure will help them pick up litter and maintain trees.

"Not having cars in the park is going to be beneficial for staff to get around and do the work they need to do," said Douglas Blonsky, Central Park Conservancy.

Prospect Park in Brooklyn is a part of this as well.

Beginning Monday, Prospect Park's West Drive will no longer allow cars. Traffic on the East Drive will be allowed weekday mornings.

There is a move to ban traffic from both parks completely. The DOT said it's a possibility but would require more studying.