Alicante City Council’s Governing Team has begun a new step in the process of keeping cars off the famous City Hall Square. They are focusing on keeping an eye on and punishing private vehicles that try to get into the square from the area around City Hall.
Drivers heading into the city centre will see new signs advising them that the area is closed to all traffic. The route that connects Jorge Juan and Altamira streets will only be open to public transport buses and approved taxis. During this temporary phase towards the square’s full pedestrianisation in the future, private cars, ride-hailing services, and charter buses are not allowed to enter.
Cameras that will provide tickets for breaking the law
The City Council has said that they would put up certain video surveillance cameras to catch the licence plates of cars that aren’t allowed to be there. The goal is to fine anyone who breaks the access restriction. Once the information phase, which is going on right now, is over, the legislation will go into effect.
Municipal sources say that these cameras will work like the ones already in use in other restricted access areas, like Lonja de Caballeros street. They will automatically take pictures of the licence plates of people who cross the square without the right permission and send them the fines.
One additional step towards making it easier for people to walk
The City Council wants to remind people that this traffic rule is part of the city’s plan to make the Plaza del Ayuntamiento (City Hall Square) more pedestrian-friendly. The goal is to make this central space a permanent place for walking and biking that promotes sustainable mobility. During the Christmas holidays, the square used to be totally blocked to private cars.
The Local Governing Board has also approved a study of traffic and mobility that will look at how getting rid of private cars in this city will affect public transport lines and the ability of people to walk and bike around the area.
Changes and options
To help traffic flow without having to cross the square, the City Council has told vehicles that there are other ways to get to the area around City Hall, like the Ronda del Castillo or Avenida Doctor Gadea along the seaside. Vertical and horizontal signs have also been made stronger, and local police officers will be on hand to help drivers for the first several days.
The city’s centre will be pedestrianised as part of a larger plan to make the city more environmentally friendly and liveable, in keeping with local plans to lower emissions and make life better for residents and visitors.
Author: Derek Appleton
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