The Transport Committee of Prague’s City Council is currently deliberating a potential legislative initiative that would prohibit traffic blockades on major roads within the city. Martin Sedeke, the chairman of the committee and a representative of Prague, confirmed the ongoing consideration of this initiative. However, any proposed legislation would need to undergo evaluation by the Prague City Council before proceeding to the Chamber of Deputies for further scrutiny.

Sedeke emphasized the city’s commitment to exploring all available options to prevent Prague residents from being adversely affected by a small group of activists advocating for a proposal that could disrupt traffic flow and cause chaos in the city.

The Transport Committee of the Prague City Council is set to assess the proposed legislative initiative during a meeting on Tuesday. The primary objective of the initiative is to prohibit road blockades on major roads classified as first-class roads. If the committee recommends its approval, the city’s administration may commission a legal analysis to determine the feasibility and specific provisions of such legislation. Should the proposal be endorsed by the council, it would then be presented for discussion and subsequently forwarded to the Chamber of Deputies.

Sedeke acknowledged that the process of implementing this potential legislation is complex and could take several months to complete.

The initiative is one of the measures being considered to address the activities of the Last Generation group, which has consistently organized blockades on significant traffic arteries in Prague. The group advocates for the implementation of a city-wide speed limit of 30 km/h.

In a previous interview with Novinky, attorney Tomáš Sokol discussed alternative options, suggesting that “relevant administrative authorities should defer to the courts for decisions” and emphasizing the need for these authorities to be more assertive in their actions.

The spokesperson for the Prague City Council reaffirmed the council’s unchanged position, stating that as the proposed initiative from the Transport Committee undergoes the legislative process, the city’s standpoint remains consistent.

“While traffic restrictions might be theoretically considered to limit gatherings that block a specific area for an extended period, hindering citizens’ access to their homes, workplaces, and other necessities that cannot be fulfilled by alternative means such as walking,” explained Vít Hofman, the spokesperson for the City Council.

The Last Generation group continues to exercise its right to organize processions throughout Prague, with several events scheduled for May and additional gatherings planned for June.

Article by Prague Forum