Developing an integrated access control strategy

Summary

Greater restrictions on the access of private cars to certain areas of the city, combined with a new parking management scheme, were designed to improve conditions for public transportation, pedestrians and cyclists.

Implementing sustainable mobility

Krakow was the first city in Poland to implement severe access restrictions in the city centre, based on three access zones. A zones are restricted exclusively to pedestrians and cyclists; B zones are accessible by residents and goods delivery vehicles; while in C zones, parking fees are applicable between 10 am and 6 pm.

The main objective of this measure was to implement an updated parking management scheme in combination with the access restrictions in the B zone. This would eliminate 300 on-street parking spaces within the second ring road and close to commercial underground car parks.

The ultimate objectives were to:

• extend the access-controlled areas;
• achieve social consensus on the use of public spaces;
• improve public transportation services; and
• make the city centre more attractive to non-motorised modes of transport.

Progress

The main activities focused on traffic reorganisation in the city centre, including a new detailed project for the C zone. The detailed project for new access rules in the city centre was created on the basis of a wide consultation process and stakeholder involvement.

Outcomes

As a result of delays in large-scale investments in underground car parks and the Krakow Fast Tram, changes to city-centre access controls were postponed by the Krakow authorities. Acceptance surveys indicated that residents and shopkeepers tend not to be enthusiastic about access restrictions unless modern parking solutions are put in place.

As planned, 300 on-street parking spaces were removed and two public squares were renewed, with access restricted exclusively to pedestrians.