The bustling pedestrian zone in front of Brno’s central railway station is undergoing a transformation, as the City Council plans to declare it a ‘shared zone,’ potentially marking the first of its kind in the Czech Republic. The concept of shared zones, introduced into legislation this year, allows for the presence of cars, with a speed limit of 20 km/h to ensure safety.

Filip Poňuchálek, spokesperson for the Brno City Council, explained that shared zones accommodate all road users, but with restricted speeds for passing cars to prevent endangerment. This move aims to balance the needs of pedestrians and vehicular traffic in one of the city’s busiest areas.

The administrative process of declaring the space from the Letmo department store to the entrance of the existing pedestrian zone in Masarykova Street as a shared zone is underway. Collaboration with the South Moravian Regional Office and traffic police is essential for this transition. While the exact timeline remains uncertain, the City Council is committed to implementing the change as soon as possible to enhance pedestrian safety.

The initial expansion of the pedestrian zone last June included the pre-station area after extensive reconstruction. Recognizing the tram stops in front of the station as a crucial hub, the city prioritized pedestrian safety by eliminating safety railings on boarding islands. If approved, the introduction of the shared zone will involve replacing signage from ‘Pedestrian Zone’ to ‘Shared Zone,’ reintroducing a controlled interaction between pedestrians and slow-moving car traffic.

As this transformation unfolds, the adaptation to shared zones not only enhances safety measures but also addresses the dynamic urban landscape’s evolving needs. The shift toward shared zones reflects a nuanced approach to urban planning, accommodating diverse modes of transportation for a more integrated and efficient urban experience.

Article by Prague Forum