Peczs
Post date: 2010.12.4 21:23:47
Car-free zone in the inner city of Pécs
To make the inner city more attractive and to decrease the burden of vehicle emissions Pécs has introduced a car-free zone in the inner city. Pécs has a medieval city centre surrounded by a city wall. The decorated tombs from the late Roman era were designated as a cultural world heritage zone by UNESCO in 2000. To decrease the burden of parking and vehicle emissions and make the inner city more attractive both for residents and for tourists the City of Pécs has restricted accessibility to its centre in various ways: A car-free zone has been established in the inner city centre.
- A speed limit of 30 km/h has been introduced within the World Heritage zone.
- Access of heavy freighters (6 tonnes) to the world heritage zone has been limited.
- Several streets have been closed and access to others limited.
In the car-free zone, private cars are banned and delivery vehicles must have permission to enter. Only residents and cars for the disabled are allowed. The police controls access and a heavy penalty makes compliance almost total. Each family living in the area receives one free permit and pays a reduced fee if they have a second car. Close relatives of elderly people can also apply for a reduced fee. Anybody can buy an annual permit, but there is a small demand since it is very expensive.
