Low emission zones and smart parking management
Summary
This measure focused on assessing the feasibility of introducing bus lanes, reversible circulation and renewing the traffic light system through state-of-the-art traffic controllers. In addition, the Municipality of Funchal implemented “smart cross”, a pilot project aimed at reinforcing safety near crosswalks through traffic lights that are deployed on the pavement near the public transport main catchment area, as well as the implementation of various road restriction policies.
Implementing sustainable mobility
Study of the feasibility of bus corridors, reversible circulation and traffic light priority
To ensure a suitable analysis of bus corridors, a subcontract was awarded to a specialist company for the development of traffic simulation. A micro modelling simulation was performed through the VISSIM and VISUM models in order to assess the feasibility of implementing bus corridors in the city core, reversible circulation and giving priority to buses using the traffic light system.
Revise the current traffic light system and define new solutions
Following the outlining of a global, sectoral and local strategy to renew the traffic light network in Funchal, the Municipality purchased advanced traffic light controllers as well as a platform to display several types of information as well as configurable options related to remote programming. The controllers that were purchased have been installed in primary and secondary junctions that led to a reduction of congestion and increase of traffic flow.
Traffic calming measures within the city
Following the SUMP for Funchal, traffic calming measures were implemented on a regular basis, namely the installation of road bollards to prevent illegal parking, introduction of 30km/h zones in strategic areas of the city to reduce speed, thus the risk of collisions with pedestrians. In addition, several restrictive measures were also implemented to foster walkability whilst encompassing actions to improve accessibility for disabled citizens.
3 traffic calming zones (Financed by ERDF)
In order to reduce traffic in Funchal, the Municipality implemented several traffic restriction policies to foster walkability and improve the attractiveness in the city centre. The intervention was comprised of enlargement of sidewalks, implementation of traffic calming measures in the surrounding area, specific pavement geared at improving accessibility to people with sensorial disabilities and urban refurbishment. The rehabilitation operations were co-funded by the ERDF Operational Program M14-20).
More information
Outcomes
- Pollutant emissions – Reduction of noise and pollutants such as CO, NOx, CO2, PM10, PM2.5 levels following the implementation of the traffic calming zones, between September 2018 and February 2021;
- Noise – 18% reduction;
- CO – 22% reduction;
- NOx – 19% reduction;
- CO2 – 9% reduction;
- PM (10, 2.5) – 8% reduction.
- Road safety – 66% reduction in accidents registered in the target area between February 2018 and June 2019;
- Parking infractions – 10% reduction of parking infractions between October 2017 and February 2021
