Long-term commitment pays

In 2004, the European Union's 25 ministers of culture designated Sibiu in Transylvania, Romania, the 2007 European Capital of Culture. An impressive achievement, particularly when you take a closer look at Sibiu's recent history. Only ten years ago, its old city was by no means in a condition to make Sibiu a contender for the capital of culture. Many buildings had moisture problems and were unstable. Inadequate repairs and reconstruction work not in keeping with the city's architectural style took their toll on the cityscape. The picturesque squares in the old city were constantly full of parked cars, and many drivers took shortcuts through the city centre’s narrow streets.

On behalf of BMZ, GTZ has been supporting the city in its efforts to redevelop its old city since the end of the 1990s. For example, the project team advises residents on how they can keep their homes from deteriorating. However, there is more to redevelopment than just beautiful façades. The public space in its entirety, including streets, squares, shops and the public transport system were all part of the project.

(View of Sibiu. © Photo: GTZ, Wagner)

The latest accomplishment is the car park management system that was recently introduced. GTZ worked on the concept together with the city council from 2003, with the city taking ownership of the project. The city centre was divided into various park zones based on the principle that the closer a zone is to the centre, the more expensive it is. Long-term and resident parking is now very inexpensive. In contrast, short-term parking is more expensive and thus less attractive. Parking your car for 30 minutes in the historic city centre costs as much as it does for an entire day outside the centre.

The success of the system could be seen after only two years. The number of cars in the historic old city had dropped drastically, while there are now over 1,000 new parking spaces outside the city centre. With the parking fees, the city government has already covered half of the original costs, and in a few years the system will have paid for itself. In November 2008, the initiative was awarded the European Commission’s ELTIS prize for local transport.

Of course, Sibiu’s residents also benefit from the new parking system, as fewer vehicles in the city centre also means less traffic noise and exhaust pollution. Additional steps to improve local public transport should further reduce exhaust emissions and relieve the burden on residents and the environment.