New Corfu Town traffic ΄charter΄ nearing completion

After a lengthy period of 'gestation' lasting two years, the consultation for the Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan has been completed. This plan is expected to address one of the town's major problems, namely, traffic. On Wednesday, the third and final phase was concluded, with the specialised measures being unanimously approved by the Stakeholders Network. Participants included, among others, the urban bus company (KTEL), the taxi association (TAXI), tourist agencies, the Association of Rental Car Operators with Drivers, the Technical Chamber of Greece (TEE), the Chamber of Commerce, the Traffic Police, the Association 'Orthopetalia,' and others.

Today, the project implementation team, comprising Technical Services, the Planning Directorate, the Old Town Office, and the Traffic Office, is convening to approve the plan. Subsequently, it will proceed towards final approval by the new Municipal Council. The plan will gradually begin implementation in the near future through partially funded programmes.

The long-awaited Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, which promises to bring relief and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors, will now be a 'passport' in the hands of the Municipality. This will enable the Municipality to seek funding and implement actions that will transform the town centre into a more tolerant, friendly, and sustainable place. The plan was developed by specialised researchers in three distinct phases, with the participation of the local community and stakeholders.

Traffic charter

This is a traffic charter, a road map for the coming years. In Greece, Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans have been underway for the past five years, as the country lacked transportation studies for the last two decades. As one can easily perceive, these years have seen sweeping changes in travel conditions, while climate change has made it imperative to change the model of urban functions and shift towards sustainable forms of transportation. The only cities that already have SUMPs in place are Piraeus, Larissa, Trikala, and Thessaloniki.

Aims

The company DENCO Transport Studies SA, which is the contractor for the project with a budget of 176,000 Euros, has already conducted a 'scan' of traffic. This involves the research, recording, and analysis of the major issues, including road prioritisation, non-functioning traffic lights, pedestrian mobility and especially for those with special needs, narrow pavements with various obstacles (signs, poles, waste bins, parked motorcycles), and, of course, the lack of parking spaces. Among other things, the plan includes one-way streets, shared spaces, cycle lanes, off-street parking areas, residential zones, and measures for supplying of shops etc. Naturally, compliance should be supervised by a municipal control mechanism, particularly the new Municipal Police body, the establishment of which the new municipal authority of Stefanos Poulimenos has committed itself to.

CHRISTINA GEREKOU