The discontent of the residents and the denial of the associations of rue Longue got the better of the experiment. In part, at least. While the City of Menton, with a view to “securing the old town”intended to make rue de Bréa two-way and to pedestrianize rue Longue – “with motorized traffic from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.” – The copy has been partially revised.
It must be said that the feedback regarding the pedestrianization of Rue Longue – one of the only arteries in the historic center accessible by car – was not the most cheerful.
Petition with 300 signatures
A reality that the mayor, Yves Juhel, was able to observe during the Neighbors’ Day, then during a neighborhood service organized afterwards. The highlight of the show was the nuance provided by the associations “Rue Longue, Cœur de Menton” and “Les Amis de la Vieille-Ville”, which both denied having demanded such a traffic cut. And for good reason: the request from local residents was mainly to repair the terminal at the entrance to Rue Longue, so as to put an end to the all-too-frequent rodeos. Each of the inhabitants is provided with a badge to bring it down in due time.
A petition launched by opponent Cédric Monteiro – primarily concerned – has also collected more than 300 signatures (physical and digital). The objective? Ask the town hall to “reconsider its decision and explore alternative solutions that would reconcile the preservation of our heritage with the essential needs of residents.”. In the body of the text, the authors of the petition insisted on the fact that rue Longue is a vital link, which, they indicated, “allows us to access our homes, drop off our groceries, move our belongings and go about our daily activities”. In their eyes, its closure would have greatly compromised the ability to “lead their lives in a practical and efficient manner. In comments, several signatories raised the problem that a closure to traffic would cause for people with reduced mobility. Others recalled the importance of taking measures for residents as a priority and not just for tourists.
The double meaning is well and truly fixed on rue de Bréa
In a letter dated June 12, addressed to the residents of the two streets concerned, the mayor reports on the measures ultimately adopted – which, he assures, “result from the majority opinion”. The axis from Avenue Laurenti to Place Saint-Julien remains two-way with a turning area, a sign will be posted at the entrance with the words: “Dead end road 500 meters away, access prohibited rue Longue, except residents” . From Place Saint-Julien, Rue Longue remains open to one-way traffic, with a sign posted: “Access authorized only for local residents, speed limited to 10 km/h”.
Rue de Bréa will also be made two-way with a turning area, with the posting of a sign: “Access authorized only to local residents who own garages, speed limited to 10 km/h”.
On the City’s Facebook page, we see in these decisions proof of “dialogue, transparency and direct democracy”. When others will have mainly seen a blow that falls.
