Drivers are only permitted to enter Brno city centre under certain conditions. Despite camera surveillance, however, these rules are not respected, and cars enter Náměstí Svobody illegally between 20 and 40 times per day, often the same vehicles repeatedly. According to a decision by Brno city council, city police officers have been monitoring the entrance to the historic center since Monday, 6 October.
“A few years ago, we set precise conditions for entering the city center,” said Petr Kratochvíl, Brno city councillor for transport, on Monday. “The area is monitored by a camera system that records violations of the rules. Unfortunately, this phenomenon occurs constantly, in many cases repeatedly. As fines for drivers passing through Náměstí Svobody without authorization are having no effect, from today onwards, city police officers will check entry permits. Thanks to this, we expect a reduction in transit through the square and also an increase in security, also regarding the upcoming Christmas markets.”
City police patrols will monitor the entrances daily. “The goal is for only authorized vehicles to enter the pedestrian zone. After agreement with the city authorities, officers at the entrances will urge drivers to respect traffic signs, and any violations will be dealt with in accordance with the law,” added Luboš Oprchal, Director of the Brno City Police .
The city plans to continue these measures at least until the end of the Christmas markets, before re-evaluating the situation.
