Speaking to Lusa agency, the president of the Board, Miguel Coelho (PS), said that between 130 and 140 thousand cars pass through the parish every day, which has a negative impact on people's quality of life in terms of noise, accessibility, environmental quality of life, air quality and safety.

Therefore, after promoting some studies and receiving suggestions from residents and traders, it has decided to move forward with the mobility plan, which will still be the subject of public debate among the people who live and frequent the parish.

“The entire territory of Santa Maria Maior is a ZER zone – Reduced Emissions Zone, which is limiting from the start and prevents the entry of many vehicles that currently enter. We advocate that this area should only be accessible to electric or hybrid cars. This will soon reduce 40% of vehicle traffic in the parish”, he said.

Another proposal is to make the entire Baixa area a ZAAC – Conditional Car Access Zone, which currently only happens in the “area between Rua do Ouro and Rua da Madalena”.

“It’s a conditioned access area, it’s zero. Vehicles do not enter unless they have authorisation to enter”.

In addition to the traffic issue, the City of Santa Maria Maior also intends to protect parking for residents, increase the number of pedestrian streets and making pedestrian circulation in spaces safer.