In the historical centre of Athens within which the Central Business District (CBD) is situated there are major problems due to traffic congestion and air pollution. Within the city of Athens the CBD has about 50% of the population of the city and 85% of the jobs, concentrated in an area two thirds that of the city. A comprehensive traffic management scheme in the inner city is under study and partially implemented. The scheme involves traffic cells, extensive pedestrian network, parking control and bus priorities. Experience of traffic cells is being gained by the implementation of two traffic cells. The first was introduced in 1979 at a neighbourhood in the historic centre located at the foot of the Acropolis and the second in 1988 at the CBD of Athens. In the CBD case two mini-bus lines are appropriate - connecting the shopping area with major bus terminals and the Acropolis area. An after evaluation study took place in both cases with interesting results. Major difficulties were faced during the implementation due to public participation and lack of funding as well as low levels of compliance to traffic regulations due to inadequate enforcement resources. In the near future new mini-bus lines are planned to circulate at the historic centre as well as a pedestrianisation along a major road which will connect two archaeological sites (the Acropolis and Philopappos hill).
Abstract