According to the municipality in the Aveiro district and the Porto Metropolitan Area, the measure, which came into effect this Monday, applies to Rua 2 between Rua 23 and Rua 27 and also includes parking restrictions.

Thus, in addition to the road closure, parking will also be prohibited on Rua 23 between Rua 2 and Rua 4, and on Rua 2 itself between Rua 23 and Rua 31, including for owners and workers of restaurants and shops there.

“By prioritising pedestrian mobility in one of the most popular areas of the municipality during the bathing season, we are promoting more sustainable travel habits, improving the quality of public space, and creating better conditions for residents and visitors to enjoy the seafront comfortably and safely,” the mayor, Jorge Ratola, told Lusa. “More than a temporary change to car traffic, we are taking a concrete step in building a more accessible, safer, and more people-centred municipality,” he argued.

The Social Democratic mayor attributed the decision to the significant increase in beach visitors via Rua 2 during this period, which also generates more traffic in the surrounding areas.

With the new restrictions, the City Council aims to improve air quality in that area, reduce noise, expand the area available for pedestrian and bicycle traffic, enhance the enjoyment of outdoor seating areas, and facilitate the circulation of emergency vehicles.

“Access will remain guaranteed for residents, emergency vehicles, and security forces,” emphasised Jorge Ratola, although he announced that, in the area in question, loading and unloading for establishments will only be permitted between 8am and 10.30am, to avoid the undue circulation of heavy vehicles in the area.

“With this intervention, the Municipality of Espinho intends to promote a safer, more accessible, and higher-quality seafront, creating better conditions for pedestrian circulation and the enjoyment of public space during the bathing season,” he concluded.