Klaipeda, who waits for vacationers, is redesigning the parking areas: there is still disagreement on what will become expensive and when

For several months, they persistently sought the site near the dock, by the sea, in Melnrage, to be one of the most expensive. A couple of weeks before May 1, the head of the Klaipėda Municipality’s Department of Transport, Rimantas Mockus, put forward a proposal to allocate this place to the Yellow Zone (second in terms of cost). The most expensive, the red light district, is expected to establish the accesses to the old town and Smiltyne, which is popular with tourists and residents of the city.

“The issue was presented to the committee in February. After receiving comments after discussing with the communities, I briefly present what we have changed since February. We are no longer proposing that Audros Street be assigned to the Red Zone. Another option is to extend the time. of payment of the Red Zone in the Old Town. We leave you this proposal “, says R. Mockus.

In Melnrage, it is proposed to declare a Yellow Zone and several sites on the road to Karklė, to make them even cheaper and assign them to the Green Zone. These changes will be implemented from May, and although this time the communities are no longer opposed, politicians must have the last word.

“In the red zone, the rate would increase to 1.50 euros, other zones would not be expensive”, clarified Mockus, who presented the project.

Councilor Lina Skrupskelienė questioned whether the project was really coordinated with the city’s elders, as the protocol was lacking.

“I tried to look at the protocol, I couldn’t find it. Many elders say they weren’t coordinated with them and they didn’t even find out. Is it really necessary to appreciate now when it’s quarantined?” L. Skrupskelienė shared his comment, but R. Mockus He assured that the information had been made public and that coordination work was underway with those who actively shared and were interested.

Mr. Mockus assured that not only tourists and visitors have been taken into account, but also the need of NGOs: volunteers would not have to pay to park within 15 meters of the workplace. Mr. Mockus assured that such permission would not be granted without arguments.

Several members of the Commission for Urban Economy and Environment questioned the advisability of refraining from making hasty decisions, since there is still no clear general agreement with the companies. Mr. Mockus assured that talks are still being held with commercial representatives, but that changes are needed.

Arūnas Andžiulis raised the question whether there would be enough time to prepare the ATMs so that it would be possible to pay not only in cash, but also with an internet application. Andrius Samuilovas, director of the Klaipėda Passenger Transport company, which maintains the parking machines, says that during the quarantine period, telephone payments have already been prepared.

“We have made the applications that the applications work for, we hope that the payment points (ATMs – Delfi.lt setting) will become information centers over time”, says A. Samuilovas.

The toll, which travels to the city budget, officials say, has not risen for years, and spending on infrastructure and improving labor mobility is increasing.

The commission questioned the new draft amendment and whether the more expensive old town would not become another tool to ruin the business. Still, those who want a change believe that nothing has changed for too long and that the old town is not the place where many cars are needed.

“The old man from the Old Town supports the proposals. There will still be a meeting with the entrepreneurs, but I suggest that the changes be approved “, – Arūnas Barbšys expressed support for higher prices.

However, after debate, the majority of members agreed that the rate should increase from May 1. The final decision will be made by the Klaipeda City Council, which will have to consider the proposal by the end of April.

If the proposal is approved, in the Yellow Zone, on the site of the castle site, in the period between May 1. Until 15 September. The toll will be charged daily from 8 am to 10 pm, and as of September 16. Until April 30. – Every day from 08:00 to 18:00 In the coastal area in the period between May 1. Until 15 September. – Every day from 08:00 to 22:00

In the most expensive, Red Zone, (Old Town) in the period between May 1. Until 15 September. – 08:00 to 22:00 and September 16 to April 30. – from 08:00 to 20:00 On the territory of Smiltyne every day in the period from 1 May. Until 15 September. – 08:00 to 22:00

An extension of the toll in the Green Zone is also proposed: the toll would be collected every day from May 1. Until 15 September. 8 am to 10 pm

In the blue zone, the toll is charged on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., except Saturdays, Sundays and holidays.