The municipality states the measure aims to boost pedestrian mobility, increase safety for residents and visitors, and improve public spaces.

This prohibition applies to Rua António José Duro, Terreiro, Praça da Liberdade up to Rua do Cais, Rua Queiroz Ribeiro between Rua do Arrabalde and Praça da Liberdade, Rua César Maldonado, Rua Costa Brava, and Rua Costa Pereira.

Residents, businesses, restaurants, waste services, civil protection agents, taxis, and municipal vehicles are exempt, the municipality adds.

Access is provided by opening and closing the barriers and traffic-control planters.

To “ensure the normal functioning of economic activity in the historic centre,” loading and unloading zones remain available in Praça do Alto Minho, Rua 25 de Abril, Rua do Arrabalde, and Praça 16 de Fevereiro.

The measure is important in summer, when Vila Nova de Cerveira has more visitors and holds many cultural and tourist events, the municipality states.

The City Council believes that “by prioritising pedestrian circulation, it reinforces the conditions of mobility, safety, and comfort for all those who live, work, or visit the town.”

The municipality points out that the historic centre is served by several parking lots located a short distance from the areas covered by the ban, such as the Praça da Galiza/Largo da Feira parking lot, which “offers free, organised, and easily accessible parking.”

With this initiative, the municipality hopes to create “a more welcoming, sustainable, and attractive urban environment, enhancing the enjoyment of heritage, commercial dynamism, and tourism and cultural activity.”

“In parallel, the temporary restriction of road traffic allows for a reduction in noise levels and pollutant emissions, promoting a better quality of life and a more harmonious use of urban space,” it adds.