Car circulation in the historic center of a Portuguese village will undergo significant changes from March 19, with restrictions on private traffic and new access rules that favor public transport. This is Sintra, where the temporary measure aims to reorganize mobility in one of the most visited areas in the country.
From this date onwards, anyone who wants to reach the historic center will have to leave their car in peripheral parks and use public connections to complete the journey, in operation that runs until April 6th.
Limited access to the historic center
According to the newspaper, Sintra City Council decided to restrict private vehicle access to the historic center, only allowing exceptions for residents, guests and authorized vehicles. Circulation will be especially limited in strategic areas, such as the section close to the Gandarinha hotel, towards the Sabuga fountain.
According to the same source, tourist buses also have specific rules, and can only enter to drop off and pick up passengers, being forced to park outside the central area, in a designated space in Ramalhão.
Peripheral parks gain prominence
To compensate for the restrictions, the city council is betting on the use of peripheral parks connected to the center by public transport. The newspaper writes that Lourel Park, with more than 500 free spaces, will be one of the main points of support for visitors.
The publication adds that there are other alternatives in the surrounding area, including free and paid parks near the Portela de Sintra station, with hundreds of spaces available for those arriving by car and wanting to access the village.
New transport circuit
Bus 434, one of the main connections to tourist attractions, now leaves and ends in Lourel. The same source mentions that the route includes passages through the train station, Portela interface and Pena park, ensuring direct connection to the main points of interest.
According to the publication, this reorganization aims to facilitate circulation and reduce congestion within the town, where car flow has been identified as one of the main problems.
Operation involves several entities
The operation, called “Living and Visiting the Village of Sintra”, includes reinforcing signage and installing control points along the route. According to the same source, there will be teams in the field to guide drivers and monitor how the new rules work.
A mobile command post will be installed in the historic center, with the presence of the GNR and Civil Protection. The website explains that Municipal Police officers and civilian teams will also be on site in areas of greater affluence, ensuring supervision and support for visitors.
Objective involves safety and experience
The decision comes after several alerts received by the city hall. “There were several alerts that the Sintra Chamber received from residents, from those who work and visit the village. These alerts show situations that we had to change, we could not continue postponing”, said president Marco Almeida, quoted by the newspaper.
The mayor also highlights that the measure aims to improve the overall experience in the village. “We want the town of Sintra to once again be an illustrated postcard of our country, dignifying the quality seal awarded by UNESCO”, he added, reinforcing the appeal for the use of peripheral parks and public transport.
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