Due to the covid-19 pandemic, Prague is reducing rents for entrepreneurs, does not collect fees for restaurant front gardens and has launched the Covid Prague program, where it has given 600 million crowns in business loan guarantees.

“The corona crisis, like other crises at times, is an opportunity to think about what to do before things get back on track. Like many metropolises west of Prague, a modern drop in traffic to make the city center more welcoming for Praguers, our fellow citizens from other cities who come to Prague in the summer for a trip, and especially for pedestrians in general. I want the new standard to be more space for people, “said Deputy Mayor Adam Scheinherr.

The closure will cover only the section from Národní třída to the Národní probuzení park and the mouth of Divadelní street. Cars will not be allowed to ride on the tram tracks, but the closed section will bypass Divadelní or Karolíny Světlé Street. Nothing changes in the direction from Karlovy Lázně.

“We didn’t accidentally stick our finger on the map. On Smetana’s embankment, road transport accounts for a minority of 15 percent. 33 percent of people are on trams and 52 percent are pedestrians. And they played the biggest role in our decision-making. Since 2009, their number has almost quintupled. The place is easy to get around and we do not anticipate major traffic complications, “added Scheinherr.

Front gardens will be created on the waterfront. The city thus responds to the request of companies located on the Smetana embankment. “Where else to start waking up the city center than in the National Awakening Park. We want to attract Praguers here for culture, good food and drink, or just to sit with friends and family, “said Councilor Hana Třeštíková (Prague to Herself).