Tjørnuvík traffic solution wins innovation prize

The initiative to ease traffic congestion in tourist hotspot Tjørnuvík this summer was honoured with an innovation prize at Friday’s annual tourism conference.

The prize is awarded for innovative solutions that help raise the standards of tourism services in the country.

”Our traffic data shows that the congestion problems were partially solved this summer,” says Esther Dahl, who heads Sunda municipality’s trade and environment committee.

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The system included traffic lights, electronic parking signs and a park & ride shuttle service between Tjørnuvík and nearby village Haldarsvík

“Tjørnuvík’s residents say they are really happy with how this summer went. As with any trial project, there were teething problems, but we will use this data to make adjustments for next summer.”

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Dahl is keen to point out that the people of Tjørnuvík are not opposed to seeing tourists in their village.

“We asked for feedback at a recent public meeting in the village, and it became very clear that the locals welcome tourists,” she says.

“The problem is, and has always been, traffic congestion. With this new system, the tourists are happy and the locals are happy too. So it’s a great solution to a major problem.”

Read the Faroese version of this article here.

More Faroese News in English.