Transit to be reduced in the Old Town of Kaunas: the Reduced Pollution Zone is coming into force
Paskelbta: 2024-08-07 (Wednesday)
Drivers choosing to shorten their journeys through the narrow streets of the old town are encouraged to reconsider and abandon this habit. Otherwise, starting from August 1st, each passage through the Reduced Pollution Zone (RPZ) will cost 2 euros. The additional cost will be for transit, not for entry. Those coming for personal reasons will not be charged the new fee– the first hour of car parking will be included in the RPZ fee.
Aim – to reduce transit
“In the Reduced Pollution Zone, we record an average of one and a half thousand vehicles per day. Significant amount of them transit through the old town. During peak times, cars paralyze the narrow streets – creating traffic jams, generating noise, and increasing air pollution,” notes Martynas Matusevičius, head of the Transport and Traffic Management Department of the Kaunas Municipality.
The installation of the RPZ in the old town was planned back in 2019 as part of the Sustainable Mobility Plan. In the first half of this year, the system was successfully tested. A 2-euro fee is applied for each passage through the Reduced Pollution Zone.
At the entrances of Šv. Gertrūdos, Gimnazijos–Birštono streets, and Karaliaus Mindaugo Av., drivers will encounter 10 vehicle recognition points. These are installed on A. Jakšto, M. Valančiaus, Kumelių, M. Daukšos, J. Jablonskio, Kurpių, Palangos, and L. Zamenhofo streets, as well as at the entrances of Karaliaus Mindaugas Av. near Aleksotas street.
“Simply put, the RPZ fee applies only for transit – from entry to exit. For those staying in the old town for more than an hour, only the remaining parking time will have to be paid for,” adds M. Matusevičius.
Light boards with the inscription “Paid zone 2 Eur” and other informational signs warn about entering the RPZ.
Payment Methods
Starting from August 1, when crossing RPZ in transit, payment for the service can be made via mobile apps, SMS messages, or on the website parkavimaskaune.lt.
Within 7 calendar days, the possibility to check the debt and pay immediately for all passes is provided in the “carOne” app and on the “Parkavimas Kaune” website.
In case of online payment it is necessary to create an account and to assign the vehicle’s license plate numbers. In this case, the system will automatically generate an invoice.
Exemptions will be applied
Exemptions in the Reduced Pollution Zone are provided for natural and juridical persons owning real estate, owners of fully electric vehicles, emergency services, and individuals with disabilities. Those who have developed plots in the area will receive permits corresponding to the number of parking spaces on their property.
Information about exemptions permit issuance, and other related matters is available at parkavimaskaune.lt.
Information from the Public Relations Department