City center of Aegean island closed to traffic

ÇANAKKALE – Doğan News Agency

The city center of an Aegean island just off the Dardanelles will be closed to car traffic in the summer season to improve the living standards of the island’s residents and tourists, according to a decision met by the district traffic commission.

In an attempt to reduce the traffic inside the center of Bozcaada, which has become a famous touristic venue for its idyllic coasts and narrow streets, the district traffic commission has decided to close the city center to car traffic throughout the summer season. 

While most of the roads are closed to traffic, some of them have been converted into one-way streets to allow for the passage of vehicles supplying services such as propane cylinders, potable water and bakeries.

Vehicles carrying construction material will also be allowed to enter the streets when necessary but not on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. 

Criminal sanctions will be applied to the people who do not obey the new regulation, which will not be implemented in the winter season when the number of tourists visiting the island decreases. 

The ban began on June 8, and will continue until Sept. 14, when the full-booked season ends. 

An appointment system has been made for the ferryboat that links Bozcaada with the mainland. Drivers who want to use the ferryboat will need to make reservations beforehand. The cars that have an appointment will be allowed to pass through the city center to the pier only 45 minutes before the ferry, while other cars will be allowed to wait in a parking lot outside of the center. 

Buses carrying more than 30 people will also not be allowed to enter the island. Instead, buses will be left on the mainland, with the buses’ passengers coming to the island on foot.