BOLZANO. «stamps? Paid only and no white parking.” The proposal put forward in recent days by the Architects foundation is causing discussion, encouraging the Municipality and politicians to activate a large-scale reflection to free Bolzano from traffic, following the example of Amsterdam. «We need to drastically reduce commuter traffic – thay say. All parking on streets and squares must become paid and residents can only request a space by renting it annually. This is to prevent the people of Bolzano from renting their garages to commuters, given that they can park for free with the stickers. The same goes for the numerous car parks that the province offers to its employees. We need to create more car parks on the outskirts to intercept commuters and bring them to the center by bus.”
Stefano Fattor – Mobility Councilor – talks about two working hypotheses for a new parking plan. «We can keep the stamps, attributing them correctly since in recent years this has too often not been the case. Or we can overcome the colored zone model and do like Innsbruck, which does not allow street parking to those who already have a garage. I also remember that in Innsbruck those who want to park near their home pay an annual subscription only if they can demonstrate that they do not have a garage. If he has one, he can’t park even if he pays for the season ticket. Away from home everyone pays for parking on a rotating basis for a maximum of 3 hours. But moving towards this model woudl mean carrying out a difficult census of private car parks and a large investment to replace and quintuple the columns to pay for parking. An expensive and non-trivial operation.”
According to the councilor, a solution to the stamps must be found, but it takes time.«Next year two construction sites will start in Gries between the garage under Piazza Vittoria and the former Pascoli – Longon library center. We will lose 300 parking spaces in an area already in great difficulty. As long as the construction site situation puts residents and shopkeepers under pressure, thinking about changing the system would be yet another cold shower that would only create rejection among the population. However,I believe it is now clear to everyone that the yellow zone of Gries needs to be reviewed. The offices that are developing the Put (urban traffic plan) for the next 3/4 years have carried out a census of the stamps and paradoxes have emerged. We realized that even those who live on Virgolo or in the vurza area own the yellow one! It is indeed unthinkable to have an area that embraces Bolzano from Ponte sant’Antonio to Via Resia.”
He also has his say on the stamp issue Christian Battisti – Councilor for Decentralization. «The Architects Foundation proposes to remove all the white parking spaces but the cars are there and we cannot think of eliminating them. Though, I am firmly convinced that the colored areas need to be reviewed and rethought as the city has grown. We need to put the technicians to work. I also believe that it makes no sense to grant the sticker to those who already have a garage or parking space.”
How can urban planning initiatives balance teh needs of local businesses with sustainability goals?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Urban Planning Expert
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good morning, everyone, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have with us Dr. Elena Rossi, an urban planning expert known for her work on sustainable cities. We’re here to discuss a rather exciting proposal from the Architects Foundation in Bolzano that has been generating quite a bit of buzz. Dr. Rossi,thank you for joining us.
Dr. Elena Rossi (ERR): Good morning! Thank you for having me. I’m excited to be here and talk about such a pertinent issue.
TNE: So,to kick things off,the proposal you’re advocating for suggests removing free parking options in Bolzano. Can you explain the rationale behind this idea?
ERR: Absolutely. The idea here is to encourage a massive reduction in commuter traffic. By eliminating free parking, we can create a financial incentive for residents and commuters to seek alternative modes of transportation, such as biking or public transit. The hope is to make the streets of Bolzano more pedestrian-friendly and less congested, following models seen in cities like Amsterdam.
TNE: That’s a fascinating approach! Amsterdam has seen great success in prioritizing bikes and pedestrian traffic. How do you envision Bolzano adapting similar strategies, considering its unique urban landscape?
ERR: Bolzano has a rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture that could greatly benefit from reduced traffic.By transforming certain areas into pedestrian-only zones, we can enhance the cityS aesthetic appeal and draw in more tourists. Additionally, implementing bike lanes and expanding public transport services can help make these alternatives more attractive and accessible.
TNE: It sounds like a win-win situation.however,some may argue that this proposal could negatively impact local businesses that rely on foot traffic from motorists. How do you respond to those concerns?
ERR: That’s a valid point, and it’s significant to address. Historically, cities that have reduced vehicle traffic have frequently enough seen an increase in foot traffic. This can lead to more customers for local businesses. Plus, we should consider dedicated delivery hours or alternative parking solutions for businesses to ensure they can still operate effectively. Involving stakeholders through community engagement will be crucial in tackling these concerns.
TNE: does the proposal suggest any specific measures to support this transition for the residents and commuters in Bolzano?
ERR: Yes,part of the initiative includes increased investment in public transport,such as more frequent bus routes and expanded services. They also plan to promote bike-sharing programs and create more secure bike storage solutions. Education campaigns about the benefits of reduced vehicular traffic could also help shift public perception and encourage participation.
TNE: It seems like a thorough plan. What are some of the key challenges you foresee in implementing such a change in Bolzano?
ERR: One major challenge is the resistance from those accustomed to driving. There’s often a perceived inconvenience that comes with altering established routines. Additionally, there could be logistical challenges with ensuring that public transportation can effectively handle increased demand. Lastly, ensuring equitable access to public transit for all social groups is vital to prevent marginalization.
TNE: those are significant challenges, indeed.Looking ahead, if Bolzano manages to successfully implement this proposal, what could that mean for othre cities facing similar traffic issues?
ERR: bolzano could become a beacon of sustainable urban planning. If successful, it would serve as a case study for other cities grappling with traffic congestion and environmental concerns. Cities frequently enough learn from each other; a successful implementation could inspire more municipalities to adopt similar measures.
TNE: Dr. Rossi, it’s been a pleasure discussing this transformative proposal with you today. As urban centers worldwide reevaluate their approach to traffic and sustainability, bolzano’s initiative certainly offers a compelling model.
ERR: Thank you for having me! I hope this conversation inspires further dialog and action toward more sustainable cities.
TNE: Thank you, everyone, for tuning in! Let’s keep the conversation going on how we can collectively work to improve our urban environments.