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JTraffic on the streets of Vilnius’ old town will soon be much less. The authorities of the capital have decided to prohibit the movement of traffic in the heart of the city.
“No car will be able to cross the old town from east to west, or from north to south, etc. If we get to the old town, we can really get there as we do now, each place is accessible, as it is now for businesses and residents , but if you come from the east, then you go east, if you come from the north, you go so that there is no traffic, ”said Mayor Remigijus Šimašius.
The core of Vilnius Old Town will be divided into four zones: Trakai, Iceland, Subačius and Latak. There will only be traffic in one direction. Each zone will have its own entrances and exits, but traffic between zones will not be possible. A study done even before quarantine during rush hour found that 40 percent of traffic in the old town doesn’t create any added value, as many cars just cross the old town and don’t even stop.
“It is clear that this is, in fact, a great misunderstanding. Because the old town is not a service station along the road, where you turn around and pass. This is a place where we invite you to come for all the means and from which you should go smoothly. But it really doesn’t have to be a highway, where a person goes from point A to point B in different parts of the city, “says R. Šimašius.
“We have analyzed the proposals of the Pedestrian Association and in the near future we are preparing to close car traffic on four streets and four sections in Vilnius,” says Deputy Mayor Vytautas Mitalas.
Already next week, car traffic will be prohibited on Gediminas Avenue from Plaza Vincas Kudirka to the Cathedral; It will not be possible to enter Vilniaus Street in the Savičiaus and Stiklių Street sections, as well as from Islandijos Street. With the adoption of the innovations, the possibility of moving around the Vilnius City Hall in a circle will disappear, although it will be possible to arrive in three different loops.
After introducing revolutionary innovations on Stiklių Street, city leaders were criticized by residents of the Old Town for the changes.
While all the locals will be able to access their homes, people say that no one has consulted them about such decisions, and closing the streets will generate more cafes and more noise at night:
“I am outraged that he is arbitrarily taking closed streets and allowing cafes to calm down.” The coffees are clearly fine, but there are common sense principles. These narrow streets have the beginning of a well. There is all the noise that goes up to the noise of me and other neighbors, it is impossible to be in the afternoons ”.
“If it’s about changing the direction of traffic to be quieter, then I understand. But if you talk about directing traffic, about making endless restaurants in people’s backyards, then the question arises, why is it useful ?
Not all locals are opposed to innovation, and most of the passers-by interviewed in the capital are happy with the decision of the city authorities:
“I live here, it is one thing that the old town should be left for cultural life, because we have it great, green and spacious for pedestrians, a lot of life can be allowed here.”
“You can leave the car somewhere nearby and just enjoy the walks and streets of our old town and it’s a great idea.”
“Cars are very disturbing, when many tourists, especially in summer, cars are very disturbing.”
“Here, the old town, like the rest of Europe, must be left in the hands of pedestrians, cyclists, etc.”
“As a taxi driver, I can really say the right decision. There are a lot of unnecessary cars driving, looking for something, it’s really difficult. “
The former mayor of the capital, Artūras Zuokas, warns that residents face difficulties due to inadequate infrastructure.
“Four underground parking lots had to be built. They were scheduled at the Opera and Ballet Theater. He is not. Two are also missing on Pylimo Street. And the room from the Maironis street side, where it is currently a very popular place for residents to leave their cars and travel on foot in the old town, ”said Council member Artūras Zuokas.
“Naturally, each change creates certain challenges. Where’s the entry here, whether you find it or not, how to change traditional routes?
In the capital, circular traffic will take effect from July 1.
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