[ad_1]
The data collected shows that the traffic in the old town has already decreased compared to July of the previous year. The changes are still not very significant, and experts explain that this was due to an atypical summer: the quarantine and the pandemic changed travel habits, in addition, there was less traffic throughout the city in summer.
“I want to encourage the population once again: it takes time to get used to the innovations. The most important thing is that only one month after the introduction of circular traffic in the old town, we can already see positive changes. So, step by step , residents and guests of this part of the city will feel the obvious benefits: cleaner air, reduced traffic noise, ”said Deputy Mayor Vytautas Mitalas.
The latest traffic monitoring data in the Old Town shows how the habits of the population moving through the city are gradually changing. Comparing 2020 in the last week of June and in 2020. In July, the average decrease in daily traffic flows in the old town is 6 percent.
Meanwhile, on weekdays, the morning peak decreased by nearly 10 percent, and during the afternoon peak, traffic was down 2.1 percent. On some streets, the traffic flow has already changed significantly due to less traffic; for example, on Klaipėdos street, the number of cars after the introduction of circular traffic is about 40 percent. less, Pamėnkalnis – about 27 percent. Less.
It is remarkable that the old town has become more pleasant for people on weekends and evenings; Compared to the last week of June and July, the average increase in weekend traffic in the old town is 16 percent. This shows that on weekends the Old Town attracts more and more visitors with events, public spaces, outdoor cafes, etc., its streets are not used for traffic, but for a visit specifically in this part of the city . It is interesting that many people still go to the old town just to get acquainted with the new traffic order – they become loops guided by curiosity.
With the introduction of circular traffic and restrictions on the movement of cars through the old town, it is noted that residents have started to choose other, more sustainable ways of moving around the city. After investigation at the intersections of the Old City epicenter, it was noted that more than 53 percent move through the Old City on foot. all road users. More than 12% travel by bicycle and 5.6% by scooter. population. Meanwhile, a little more than 28 percent of the cars move through the old town. Vilnius residents or city guests.
More movement in public transport
On the 11 and 89 bus routes running in the old town, the flow of passengers after the organization of circular traffic increased by about 12 percent in the first month.
“The number of passengers is increasing on the main public transport routes in the central part of the city. Likewise, at the entrances to the Old Town – Pylimo, Maironis, Šventaragio streets – the flow of passengers on buses of 10, 33, 1G, 21, 53, 88 routes and trolleybuses of 1, 2, 6, 7, 12, 20 routes increased after the introduction of circular traffic. about 4 percent. The change already after the first month shows a good tendency for citizens to choose buses and trolleybuses more frequently, “said Modesta Gusarovienė, director of SĮ” Įimoimo paslaugos “.
The punctuality of public transport is not affected by the introduction of the organization of circular traffic: deviations of routes from traffic schedules are not noticeable.
Additional information and education campaigns are planned
Although informational brochures were distributed during the first days of the introduction of circular traffic, messages were sent out and SJ’s contact and municipal specialists continue to advise residents by phone and email, often coming to the site to investigate the situation. Most drivers are already noticing new routes or using Google maps and WAZE apps or have updated their navigation systems.
In August, three or four smart cameras capable of scanning car numbers on circular traffic streets will also be installed as part of future traffic control.
As September approaches, when traffic in the city becomes much more intense, additional control campaigns are planned: another brochure and driver education, answers to questions. In addition, it is planned to inform the educational institutions of the traffic area of the loop and accesses about the changes. They will be provided with diagrams and recommendations on how to move comfortably in specific places in the Old Town.
Traffic offenses
Currently, there have been more than 90 cases of minor administrative offenses for traffic violations in the old town. Most of them have already been examined and decisions made. Additional information campaigns are expected to help publicize the new procedure even more.
Vilnius residents and other interested parties are invited to familiarize themselves with the details of circular traffic in the Old Town on the website www.senamiestis2030.lt. All questions can be contacted by email. email [email protected]
[ad_2]
