A nighttime traffic ban is now in effect in part of Prague’s Old Town starting Wednesday evening at 10 PM. This ban, which lasts until 6 AM, restricts access to all vehicles except residents, taxis, and emergency services. The Technical Administration of Roads removed the stickers that invalidated the traffic signs as per the magistrate’s decision.
According to Barbora Lišková, spokesperson for the Technical Administration of Roads, new traffic signs were installed and became effective on Wednesday. The signs replaced the older ones in the streets around Dlouhá. Pařížská, Revoluční, Dvořákovo nábřeží, and Dlouhá streets bound the area affected by the nighttime ban.
Karolina Šnejdarová, spokesperson for Prague 1, confirmed the ban’s validity and mentioned that the municipality has requested police supervision to enforce it. The primary aim of this ban is to deter individuals who disturb residents by racing their cars around Pařížská and Dlouhá streets during nighttime.
The Prague 1 municipality introduced the ban last year but faced opposition from Mayor Bohuslav Svoboda (ODS), who had the signs invalidated, arguing that the measures were not adequately discussed. However, after further deliberations, the municipality has reinstated the ban despite Svoboda’s continued disapproval.
Residents of central Prague have long complained about the nighttime noise, and the new measures are seen as a response to these ongoing grievances. The ban is part of a broader initiative to improve the quality of life for those living in the area by reducing noise pollution and ensuring a quieter environment at night.
The effectiveness of this ban will be closely monitored, with the municipality ready to make adjustments if necessary. For now, residents can look forward to quieter nights as the new traffic restrictions take hold.