Smart Traffic Control Begins in Central Reus

The city of Reus will activate automated traffic bollards and number plate recognition systems on Monday, 24 August, around the El Pallol shopping centre and Doctor Robert Street. The move follows technical installation and testing, during which more than 1,000 access permits were processed. The new system aims to improve pedestrian safety in a zone with narrow pavements and heavy vehicle flow, particularly along Doctor Robert Street. It forms part of Reus’s alignment with European Low Emission Zone (ZBE) standards.

Expanded Access Points and Operating Hours

Regulation will extend to new access points: Doctor Robert Street at Plaça de Catalunya, Carreró de la Puríssima Sang at Plaça de la Puríssima Sang, Carrer del Roser at Carreró de la Puríssima Sang, and Carrer de la Mar at Raval de Sant Pere. Bollards will restrict non-authorised vehicles from 11:00 to 02:00 daily. Outside these hours, access is open to all. Authorised vehicles will trigger automatic bollard lifting via number plate readers. Intercoms at each point connect to a control centre for incident resolution.

The goal is to enhance pedestrian safety in one of our busiest commercial and residential zones, while ensuring necessary access for residents and services.

Who Can Access the Zone?

No application is needed for residents registered within the zone whose vehicles pay circulation tax in Reus, as long as the council holds their data. Public service vehicles, taxis, emergency units, and healthcare services also have automatic access. Those who must apply for long-term authorisation include:

  • Residents registered in the area whose vehicles are taxed outside Reus
  • Owners or tenants of parking spaces within the zone
  • Family members of residents aged 70 or older
  • Vehicles linked to local economic activities

Temporary permits are available for hotel guests and specific cases such as deliveries or construction work. Applications can be made in person at the Citizen Service Office at Plaça del Mercadal, 1, or online via the Ajuntament de Reus electronic portal.

On-the-Ground Support During Rollout

During the first days of operation, Reus Municipal Police will deploy additional officers to inform the public, answer questions, and manage any incidents related to the new system. Changes also include adjusted traffic directions, improved vertical and horizontal signage along Riera de Miró between Plaça de la Puríssima Sang and Travessera d’en Sardà, and the relocation of an intelligent bollard from Carrer del Mar to Carrer de Sant Pere Apòstol.

Primary sources: ajuntament.barcelona.cat, Lajusticia, Antonio. Reported by reusdigital.cat, tarragonadigital.com, diarimes.com, Redacció, Nil Sánchez.