February 25, 2023 - With the city being one of the main tourist hubs of Croatia, it is to be expected that Dubrovnik traffic might need some adjustment, especially around the old town area.

As Index writes, mayor Mato Frankovic presented a draft decision on traffic restrictions in the contact zone of Duborvnik's old town to reduce traffic jams in the heart of Dubrovnik and the negative impact on the monumental heritage. Frankovic emphasized that the draft is based on UNESCO guidelines and the Management Plan for the old town.

"Given that Dubrovnik is the first to issue such a document, I expect business entities and citizens to participate in the public consultation for the next 30 days so that the final decision is as high-quality and realistic as possible and so that we change it as little as possible in the future. This dialogue is extremely important to us," said Frankovic.

"We want to reduce crowds and give priority to the population of Dubrovnik"

He noted that the recent changes to the Road Traffic Safety Act were the prerequisite for drafting the decision. "We want to reduce crowds and give priority to the population of Dubrovnik, with a special emphasis on the residents of the old town," said Frankovic.

The draft defines five categories of vehicles with different rules. Citizens who have had a registered residence in the zone for more than one year, as well as public transport vehicles, mopeds, motorcycles, emergency services, armed forces, and HGSS, will be able to move freely in the zone of the special traffic regime.

Special category

The same will be possible for everyone with a PPK (privileged parking ticket), pre-paid parking, parking lot, or garage space outside the system of public parking lots.

A special category includes operations in transporting people and cargo, while the traffic of tourist buses, 7+1 and 8+1 passenger vehicles, and car sharing can continue under the current conditions. Access to the old town will be prohibited for campers, camper vans, tractors, and similar vehicles.

For more, make sure to check out our dedicated News section.

January 21, 2020 - Did you know that the City of Dubrovnik will establish a traffic congestion zone around the historic core of the city, which could ultimately affect tourists renting in the area? 

Namely, the first phase of this traffic solution will relate to tourist buses and passenger cars 8 + 1, or vans, which is expected already in the upcoming tourist season.

“The City is working on introducing a congestion zone around the City. In the first phase of the project, four cameras will be erected in the area near the public garage on Zagrebačka Street, above the Tourist School at the exit towards Ul. Druge dalmatinske brigade, one camera will be at Pile and one on Ul. branitelja Dubrovnika. These are modern, up-to-date camera systems that will be able to recognize vehicle plates as well as vehicle dimensions,” explained Djuro Šutalo.

So, what are these cameras for, anyway?

This video surveillance will facilitate the detection of vehicles that are in the traffic congestion zone outside the reserved term, or are staying longer than the allowed time at Pile or Ploče. Misdemeanor proceedings will be conducted for vehicles without a valid permit.

More specifically, only vehicles with privileged tickets will be able to pass through the area around the historic center, which are residents of the City of Dubrovnik and the neighboring municipalities.

“In 2020, we are introducing the first phase for buses and vans, and this year we will see how the system works,” said Šutalo. Whether tourists will be able to get to their apartments, for example, those renting in Ploče, is a question that worries many renters - and there is a considerable number in the area. 

At this point, Šutalo cannot answer that question.

We do know that taxi drivers can travel freely through Zagrebačka Street this year, though changes could be possible for taxis come 2021, depending on how the new system flows.

The City believes that establishing a traffic congestion zone around the historic core of the City, as well as other traffic solutions they introduce, will achieve systematic management and development of the traffic system. Above all, there will be significant relief from traffic around the historic core.

So, what will this mean for renters? 

If you’re traveling to Dubrovnik by car, whether it is with your personal vehicle or transfer service, think about booking accommodation outside the busy city center. 

Make your life even easier by booking with Solo Transfers. You can check out their rates to Dubrovnik on their website. 

Source: Dubrovacki Vjesnik

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