Reinforced inspection and improvements mark the City Hall's Summer Operation in the West Zone

Summer Operation on the beaches of the West Zone foresees the closure of the access to the Serra de Grumari. Photo: Disclosure/City Hall

The Rio City Hall's Summer Operation on the beaches of the West Zone, to control the flow of visitors and preserve the natural beauty of areas such as Barra de Guaratiba, Recreio and Barra da Tijuca, on January 25 and 26, resulted in 01 vehicles being seized for irregular parking and/or loading and unloading, and 52 fines being issued for traffic violations. The operation was a joint effort by the Government Coordination Secretariat, the Subprefectures of West Zone 499 and Barra da Tijuca, among several agencies. The Public Order Secretariat and the Municipal Guard, for example, cleared public areas, controlled traffic and monitored traffic. In Barra de Guaratiba, teams from the Special Beach Group (GEP) also seized two inflatable bubbles, a recreational activity prohibited due to the high risk of serious accidents.

— The objective of this action, which was prompted by many demands from residents and local businesses due to the disruption caused by the flow of cars that exceeded the region's capacity, is to ensure safety, mobility and civility among visitors and residents. This region is an environmentally protected area and needs to be preserved. The people of Rio helped out and we had a peaceful weekend with mobility on the beaches of the West Zone —, highlighted the municipal secretary of Government Coordination, Edson Menezes.

Of the 499 traffic fines issued over the weekend, 160 fines were recorded in the Barra da Tijuca region, 206 in Recreio, 99 in Grumari and 34 in Barra da Guaratiba.

The action also provided maintenance and janitorial services to the region. CET-Rio installed 45 new signs, replaced or maintained another 12, and installed six posts. The paintwork on the cross-roads and the “STOP” signs on the asphalt were also repainted.

The Municipal Department of Conservation and Public Services carried out painting and repair of traffic barriers on Estrada do Pontal, at the access to Grumari Beach and at the closing of Ponte Velha da Marambaia.

Residents approve actions

Focused on urban planning and environmental protection, the Summer Operation on the beaches of the West Zone controls the occupancy limits of authorized parking lots in the region, which has 800 spaces (600 in Grumari and 200 in Prainha). Once the spaces are full, the entry of vehicles is blocked by city agents.

Access to the beach after closing hours is free for swimmers and residents with proof of residence. However, it is restricted to unauthorized vehicles. Ride-hailing app drivers are also allowed to enter, as long as they present proof of the trip.

– I have lived here for 15 years and, during this summer period, there is traffic, especially on the way up and down Prainha. Many people do not understand that the area is extremely crowded and end up using the vegetation as a parking lot. I believe that visitors could collaborate more, respecting the space and contributing to more organized and safe traffic –, reported artisan Tânia Cristina Lourenço Bezerra.

Traffic control will remain in place until the end of summer

Operation Summer on the beaches of the West Zone will be carried out on weekends and holidays until the end of the summer. During this period, access to the beaches will remain free for swimmers and residents. The action will take place in two stages:

– Stage 1 – Closure of roundabout access from 6 am to 22 pm. Location: Av. Roberto Burle Marx (Ponte Velha da Marambaia).

– Stage 2 – Closure of the access to the Serra de Grumari from 9 am to 22 pm. Location: Av. Roberto Burle Marx.