The installation of these systems is being carried out within the scope of the Open-Air Shopping Centre (CCCA) project—part of the "Digital Commercial Districts" initiative funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan (PRR)—and covers the entire pedestrian zone of the city, the Vila Real de Santo António City Council (located in the Faro district) explained in a statement.

The municipality stated that, for now, the project includes installing free Wi-Fi and monitoring pedestrian flow. Later, it will add static and retractable bollards to control vehicles.

"With a total investment of approximately 895,000 euros, the 'VRSA Digital' project aims to modernise and revitalise traditional commerce, supporting approximately 200 commercial establishments through the introduction of digital tools, improvements to urban infrastructure, and the creation of more attractive conditions for merchants, residents, and visitors," the Algarve-based City Council stated.