Analysis of environmental quality of pedestrian zones in Lithuanian cities

Abstract

The rapidly growing level of urbanisation and automobilization in large cities as well as nearby towns, townships and villages increases the environmental pollution and noise that in turn negatively influence environmental quality and the health of residents. In order to reduce the negative influence on the environment especially in large cities, a great number of countries are planning to fully or partially stop using/restrict the use of vehicles in city centres by developing and creating pedestrian zones. Although pedestrian zones in large Lithuanian cities (Vilnius, Kaunas and Klaipėda) are partially isolated from vehicle traffic, the noise in such zones exceeds and the pollution reaches the highest permissible limits, which may be surpassed due to the increasing automobilization during rush hours or larger events. Having carried out the research, it was determined that it is vital to pay more attention to the factors of environmental protection, especially in the pedestrian zones located in Kaunas and Klaipėda cities. Therefore, in order to improve environmental quality based on the analysis of the current situation and the expert opinion, it is important to ban or partially restrict (at least on weekends) car traffic in adjacent streets as well as the pedestrian zones themselves.