Palma parking row: 1,027 spaces set for residents
In Palma, Mallorca, 1,027 city-centre parking spaces are set to become residents’ spaces, leaving fewer places for customers and visitors. On Tuesday, 6 October, the Balearic Federation of Commerce and Services Businesses (Afedeco) calls on Palma City Council to halt the change. It says parking available to customers and visitors across several areas would fall from 1,247 spaces to 220.
Traders warn of fewer places to park
The spaces are part of the ORA parking system. Afedeco says converting them would cut parking available to customers and visitors by 82.4 per cent. Its president, Joana Manresa, warns that buses and the BiciPalma bike-hire scheme are not equivalent alternatives for older people, families or customers travelling from elsewhere on Mallorca.
The conversion was already part of the city’s low-emission zone plan. But Afedeco says earlier discussions covered broad issues, such as traffic restrictions and vehicle emissions labels, rather than a change on this scale.
Federation seeks a pause and answers
Afedeco says the decision appeared in the Official Gazette of the Balearic Islands without warning to affected businesses. It has asked to see the full file, including the surveys behind the decision, and has entered the administrative proceedings to consider an appeal.
The federation also wants a study of the potential effects on sales, jobs and businesses. It says the exact scope remains unclear: a technical study leaves 220 spaces for customers and visitors, while the council’s decision points to a wider conversion. Afedeco wants the affected spaces identified and the change suspended until consultation, the economic impact and parking and transport alternatives have been examined.
More on this topic: Traffic on Mallorca
Topics: Traffic · Economy · Palma
Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com