 Istanbul Mayor Kadir Topbaş suggests that Taksim Square be closed to traffic. AA photo |
Istanbul’s central Taksim Square will be closed to traffic and pedestrianized so Istanbul people do not feel traffic pressure, Istanbul Metropolitan Mayor Kadir Topbaş said during an interview with Bloomberg HT.
“There is traffic pressure at Taksim Square. By taking regulations applied previously into consideration, we will start the process of pedestrianizing the square. Istanbul residents will feel better about the city when they can walk freely,” said Topbaş.
As part of this project, Mete Street and several roads going from Tarlabaşı Boulevard to Sıraselviler Avenue will be moved underground. Topbaş called for the street in front of the Atatürk Culture Center, or AKM, to be moved underground so people can enter Taksim on foot. He said this would create a “square feeling.”
Furthermore, the bus stations would be removed and the metro entrances would be moved to the corners of Istiklal Avenue, said the mayor, adding that they plan to make it easier for pedestrians to access Taksim Square.
“Respect needs to be shown for pedestrianization. Official cars should not enter Istiklal Avenue when it is not required. I don’t go there with my car,” said the mayor, also criticizing people who drive their cars on Istiklal under the guise of driving an official car.
“If a regulation is made, everybody should respect it. There is serious pedestrian traffic on Istiklal Street, and this benefits the tradesmen most; their jobs have flourished.”
“There is traffic pressure at Taksim Square. By taking regulations applied previously into consideration, we will start the process of pedestrianizing the square. Istanbul residents will feel better about the city when they can walk freely,” said Topbaş.
As part of this project, Mete Street and several roads going from Tarlabaşı Boulevard to Sıraselviler Avenue will be moved underground. Topbaş called for the street in front of the Atatürk Culture Center, or AKM, to be moved underground so people can enter Taksim on foot. He said this would create a “square feeling.”
Furthermore, the bus stations would be removed and the metro entrances would be moved to the corners of Istiklal Avenue, said the mayor, adding that they plan to make it easier for pedestrians to access Taksim Square.
“Respect needs to be shown for pedestrianization. Official cars should not enter Istiklal Avenue when it is not required. I don’t go there with my car,” said the mayor, also criticizing people who drive their cars on Istiklal under the guise of driving an official car.
“If a regulation is made, everybody should respect it. There is serious pedestrian traffic on Istiklal Street, and this benefits the tradesmen most; their jobs have flourished.”
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