cHRISTINE wATTERSON.MaóMaó Council´s mobility plan, which involves restricting traffic in the town centre, is progressing steadily although more slowly than originally anticipated.
The Mayor, Arturo Bagur, commented last week that current estimates are that the town centre will be ready, from a technical point of view, by the beginning of 2007 to limit vehicle access, a measure which will be introduced progressively. The original intention had been to start implementing restrictions during the first half of this year.
Arturo Bagur explained that orders are being placed for the items needed to limit access to Maó centre to vehicles belonging to professionals, services and residents. He added that, within a few weeks, the automated equipment to restrict vehicle access to the Plaça Reial will be installed. It will not be the same system as that installed in the Plaça Conquesta which has suffered problems due to the humidity.
Once all the technical equipment is available, the Council will hold meetings with parties affected by the changes and will then start to introduce the restrictions gradually, either at specific times (such as weekends) or in certain sections of the town.
The Mayor admits that there has been a delay in implementing the mobility plan, but says that it is not possible to restrict traffic in the town until works, such as those in Avenida José Anselmo Clavé or Calles Es Forn and Sant Bartomeu, have been completed. He would prefer a few month´s delay delay if it means that the plan can be successfully implemented. He estimates that all the car parks planned will be ready in a couple of years and adds that the plan for a mechanical connection between the town and port has been "unblocked" and that the Island Council´s plan for public transport within the town will be carefully studied.
