Residents of Grizinkalns are puzzled by the upcoming changes in traffic organization.
The show “Zebra” (TV3) went to find out what exactly and why will change.
Every year, new paid parking zones are introduced in Riga to improve the availability of parking along the streets.
The block between Pernavas, Tallinas, Chaka, and Asara streets is planned to be transformed into a residential area with a more comfortable environment and less transit traffic. Therefore, it is planned to implement so-called “entry portals,” which are common abroad. Drivers will be clearly informed that they are entering an area with a different traffic organization regime and speed limit.
Traffic will be allowed at a speed of up to 20 km/h, which will be indicated by smaller road signs. As noted by Kristaps Kauliņš, the director of the Department of External Space and Mobility of the Riga City Council: “At 20 km/h, large signs are not needed as they are at 50 or 70 km/h.”
Traffic will be restricted not only by road signs but also by colored markings and bollards, so that changes can be reversed if necessary. This is possible if the new system is not liked by local residents.
Lienes Street will also join the paid parking zones.
Residents, however, are dissatisfied. A survey on parking improvement is currently being conducted. At the moment, cars are parked parallel on one side of the street and perpendicular on the other. Residents of the area are urged to vote for the introduction of parallel parking throughout the street. This, as promised, will ensure significantly wider sidewalks and more convenient snow removal in winter. However, local residents are skeptical.
The promised sidewalks of 4.3 meters in width are, in their opinion, impossible in practice, and with the introduction of perpendicular parking, instead of the current 22 spaces, there may be only about 13 left at best.
