Within the framework of the NXTLVL Parking project, the City of Ljutomer has implemented a set of pilot actions aimed at promoting sustainable mobility and more efficient use of urban space. The pilots focused on improving cycling conditions, managing parking demand in the city centre, and actively involving citizens in shaping future public spaces.
Ljutomer pilot – bicycle parking at the high school and sports center
The high school and sports center are important traffic generators in the municipality, and they involve a population that frequently cycles. Providing proper bicycle parking is crucial for maintaining current cyclists and encouraging new ones. The proximity of these two institutions allows for a combined approach to bicycle parking arrangements.
Ljutomer pilot – roadspace transformation in the city center of Ljutomer
This pilot project was a part of the long-term activities of the city of Ljutomer in achieving the objectives of their SUMP. The long-term ambition is to free additional public space in the city center from parking and road transport by reducing part of on-street parking spaces and managing the remaining space in the city centre and moving parked cars to unused parking in the surrounding area. The first step was this pilot measure that helped guide drivers to choose parking at the alternative locations and walk to the city center. Therefore, the implemented measure included a traffic counter located in the nearby parking area, which displays the number of available parking spaces and breaks the misconception regarding the lack of sufficient parking options.
Ljutomer citizen pilot – participatory redesign of the main square
In Ljutomer, a citizen workshop was organized on 17 September 2024 as part of the European Mobility Week in cooperation with the Urban Planning Institute of the Republic of Slovenia, Development Agency Sinergija, and architect Assoc. Prof. Aleksander Ostan. The event brought together over 50 participants in the Town Hall and on nearby streets to discuss the renovation of the main square (Glavni trg), parking, and the surrounding streets.
Residents worked in three moderated groups with on-site hands-on assessments to identify current challenges and propose improvements:
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Main Square related issues and solutions: Residents pointed out that the square was last renovated 16 years ago and currently suffers from overheating due to lack of shade, poor accessibility for disabled people, slippery pavement, traffic/speeding, and nighttime event noise. Key suggestions included a “greener Ljutomer” with large trees, adapting the metal pergola with a vine trellis, upgrading the drinking fountain, and adding a safe children’s playground.
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Hinterland and surrounding streets: Participants highlighted issues on Miklošičev trg (need for traffic calming) and Stari trg (reducing road surface). Suggestions included relocating parking to the town edges with quality pedestrian paths, and even constructing a parking garage.
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Parking management: It was noted that sufficient parking exists nearby, meaning the main challenge is changing residents’ habit of needing to park right at their destination. Proposed solutions were introducing paid parking in prime locations, greening parking lots, and addressing long-term parking occupation (e.g., at the bus station).
The initiative underlined the value of involving citizens in planning processes and provided important input for the municipality’s future development projects.