Early next year, drivers in Prague may have to pay to enter the city centre. The city council and the administration of Prague 1 want to introduce such a measure, despite opposition from some other districts. The fee could amount to 200 CZK.

The Prague city council, in collaboration with Prague 1 administration, is considering the implementation of a fee for vehicles entering the city centre, a move that has garnered both support and resistance. While the objective behind this measure is to address traffic congestion and preserve the efficiency of public transportation, some districts are expressing concerns over potential repercussions.

The proposed entry fee, expected to be around 200 CZK, aims to encourage the use of public transport, mitigate traffic congestion, and reduce environmental pollution. The plan, however, is not without its detractors. Districts such as Prague 6, Prague 8, and Prague 9 have voiced their opposition to this scheme, arguing that it might lead to unintended consequences.

The central argument in favor of the entry fee is to curtail the increasing traffic density in vital areas like Malá Strana and Smetana Embankment, which are essential for the smooth operation of tram services. Zdeněk Hřib, the Deputy for Transport from the Pirates party, highlights the significance of the fee in maintaining the overall transportation network’s efficiency.

The city council is also mulling over potential exemptions from the fee. Discussions are underway to determine the eligible categories for exemption, with residents being a primary consideration. However, the scope of exceptions is yet to be finalized. Terezie Radoměřská, Mayor of Prague 1 from the TOP 09 party, acknowledges the ongoing negotiations, emphasizing that reaching a consensus is imperative for the success of the measure.

While proponents argue that the entry fee would encourage alternative transportation methods, critics like Ondřej Matěj Hrubeš from Prague 6’s ODS party express reservations. Hrubeš suggests that an effective parking zone system across the entire city should accompany the city centre’s closure. He points out that strict parking enforcement within Prague 1 might already address some traffic concerns, and raising parking fees across districts might also influence vehicle usage patterns.

Hrubeš’s concerns are echoed by other districts. Prague 6, with its lack of dedicated P+R facilities and a significant population, fears that intensified parking pressures could lead to cascading traffic bottlenecks in nearby regions. Similarly, Prague 8 and Prague 9 have previously voiced objections to the entry fee.

As Prague authorities continue to deliberate the implementation of the city centre entry fee, striking a balance between alleviating traffic congestion and accommodating the concerns of various districts remains a challenge. The forthcoming months will likely witness further debates and negotiations to fine-tune the proposal, ultimately shaping the transportation landscape of the city.

Article by Prague Forum