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“The circular traffic solution changes the habits of many residents visiting Vilnius Old Town, so we understand that this project will receive various evaluations. However, the first evaluations show that we are on the right track: research has shown that car traffic has decreased in the Old Town and these changes are supported by the majority of residents and businesses, ”said Vilnius Deputy Mayor, Vytautas Mitalas.
A representative survey of Vilnius residents, during which 1,003 Vilnius residents were interviewed, revealed that 45 percent. A quarter of the respondents (25%) and 30% do not support the introduction of circular traffic in the old town. Vilnius residents have no opinion on this issue.
The introduction of circular traffic received even more support in the catering business sector: restaurants, cafes, bars. The municipality surveyed 101 cafes. 54.4 percent. companies surveyed say they support loophole traffic. Of these, 6 percent. The companies claim to have experienced an increased flow of pedestrians and customers in the old town. Only 8 out of 100 restaurants surveyed do not support loop traffic (8%). 14 percent of those surveyed have no opinion and for the rest of the companies this issue is not relevant, since they operate outside the Old Town.
VIDEO: Circular traffic in the old town of Vilnius: with Waze we rode wheels from Vokiečių street to Universiteto street
“We listen and appreciate the suggestions made by residents and companies on how to improve the traffic regime introduced. When necessary, we change the road signs, plan more convenient places for taxis and transporters, the access of tourist buses to the hotels in the old town. old, I think the number of supporters of this idea will grow even more, ”said V. Mitalas.
The introduction of circular traffic already in the first month had a positive effect in reducing car traffic in the old town. The traffic monitoring data of the Old Town in August 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. In some streets, due to less traffic, the traffic flow has already changed significantly; 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 notable that the old town has become more loved by 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 per hundred. 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 transit, but for a visit specifically in this part of the city.
Circular motion was introduced in Vilnius Old Town in early July this year in order to eliminate transit traffic, which in the Old Town accounted for up to 40 percent. of total car traffic, and in the morning, up to 70 percent. The introduction of circular traffic will reduce pollution and noise in the old town and allow more space for pedestrians and cyclists. Many European countries have been implementing similar traffic changes in the city center for many years.
UAB Jarinta conducted a representative survey of the opinion of Vilnius residents on behalf of the municipality. The study has been conducted since 2020. August 17 to September 3, surveyed 1,003 respondents across the city.
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