As part of its constant endeavor to improve traffic, The authorities of the Greek capital, Athens, launched Two new projects, The first involves installing sensors to monitor vehicles lined up in offending locations to speed up police response. The second builds new, safer and more comfortable sidewalks. This is to strengthen the city's identity as a sustainable global metropolis.
Within the economic development witnessed by Western societies during the last century, The increasing rates of private car ownership have made traffic jams a regular sight in major cities, Especially with the lack of dedicated parking, Which led to a general phenomenon of irregular queuing in all those cities. Therefore, Today there is a trend to move businesses to the suburbs where there is enough parking to get away from crowded centers.
Besides, Several factors have contributed to the exacerbation of the phenomenon of parking in violating places, Such as the inability of the police to deal with them, the low level of public transport services, and the lack of adequate education for drivers about traffic morals.
In the Greek capital of Athens, Traffic is not free from practices characterized by indifference and lack of respect for the rights of the way, Where pedestrian movement is hindered, such as parents who move with their children, It sometimes causes abuse to some segments of society, such as the elderly and people of determination.
To address this phenomenon, City authorities worked with the computing company, municipal business units and the police to find a solution to improve the traffic landscape in the capital, It has developed an integrated electronic system to control parking operations.
The authorities behind this project hope to address several negative effects caused by the offending parking lot. As it affects the quality of life of the city's residents in general, It delays daily journeys, slows the movement of goods and reduces road capacity. The government recently conducted research that revealed that a row in certain places such as bus stops may increase emissions rates in surrounding areas by 5 times. Especially since traffic delays increase fuel consumption.
In addition This phenomenon harms the environmental and aesthetic aspects of the city, and have profound implications for tourism, They hinder access to vital areas and force visitors to endure traffic congestion to reach tourist attractions.
The work of the Athens city authorities began installing 830 smart sensors that can detect vehicles lined up in locations that may hinder the free movement of pedestrians. This is done along several vital streets in the capital.
These devices operate according to technology that alerts the municipal police when a driver stops a car or motorcycle on ramps or pedestrian paths in a way that may prevent pedestrians from reaching the sidewalks. A map containing all the devices has also been prepared to show to the police officers. Devices send data to the platform as soon as they detect an offending parked vehicle. directly, Notifications are automatically sent to police officers located within 500 meters of the designated location to take action.
The initiative to tackle the offending row is part of a broader trend adopted by the city of Athens to improve its sidewalks and make them safer, more comfortable and more beautiful. Earlier this year, the city launched a project to restore sidewalks. It is the largest since the 2004 Olympic Games in the Greek capital. The government has allocated a budget of 24 million euros for this project, A plan was developed for him that will continue until the summer of 2023, By then, 410 modern and safe pavements will have been completed. These new sidewalks will be spacious and barrier-free, Surrounded by green spaces and paved with high-quality materials and machinery, Where it will be paved with materials classified as "cold", Such as marble, cement slabs and concrete tiles. These materials help keep the surrounding place cool during high heat days, That is, they contribute to counteracting the influence of the "urban thermal island", It refers to urban areas that are warmer than the surrounding countryside due to the concentration of human activities, Most importantly, these materials are environmentally friendly and contribute to the effort to address the climate change crisis.
Modern sensors and pavement projects are still in their early stages, Experience remains the only way to know what challenges and impacts they may face.
As for the project to monitor the violation of the traffic law and the violating queue, It is the largest of its kind in the country, Through it, Authorities are looking to put an end to socially inappropriate behavior, which obstruct traffic, It seeks to provide free and easy movement for all its citizens, She also sees it as an important step to transform the capital into a practical city that provides equal opportunities for people of all ages, capabilities or social groups.
As for the new sidewalks project, It would give the city a whole new look, To be a metropolis that respects its residents and visitors, provides them with safety and comfort, and takes into account the environment in all its practices. Towards these objectives, The municipality will continue to work towards sustainability in all walks of life in Athens.
References:
https://www.themayor.eu/en/a/view/athens-installs-830-smart-sensors-to-prevent-illegal-parking-9737
