Finally, drivers who want to park in Valencia have some space to breathe. The new regulation, which went into effect on November 1st, reinstates free parking in Valencia from 2-4 p.m. and from 8 p.m. until 9 a.m.
In a significant development, the blue zone parking regulations in Valencia have been revamped, bringing welcome relief to residents and visitors alike. The payment hours for leaving your car in the blue zone have been modified, granting free hours to people desperately need to find some space on the streets, to the existing schedule.
During the Municipal Plenary session in September, a crucial change was passed, reverting to the pre-2021 schedule. Starting from November 1st, the new payment hours for leaving your car in the blue zone managed by the ORA (On-Street Residential Parking) of Valencia will be as follows: 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. This new schedule replaces the previous arrangement, which spanned from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., essentially resulting in twelve hours of paid stay as opposed to the current nine.
The catalyst for this change occurred on September 26 when the newly formed government, comprising the Popular Party and Vox, decided to modify the regulated parking conditions that had been in place since June 2021. The decision to amend the previous government’s ordinance found favor with the mayor of Valencia, María José Catalá, and her political team, who were keen advocates of returning to the former parking schedule in the urban area.
Jesús Carbonell, Councilor for Mobility of the Valencia City Council, emphasized that this proposal had been part of the Popular Party’s program before the town council elections.
The mayor, María José Catalá, stressed that this new measure was introduced to allow citizens to enjoy their mealtime without the burden of parking fees. She further noted, “From the government team’s perspective, the primary objective of the ORA is to ensure rotation, and the previous schedules did not serve the best interests of Valencia’s residents. Moreover, with the 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. schedule in all regulated areas, the sole aim was revenue collection, rather than providing high-quality services to our citizens.”
This change marks a significant step in prioritizing the convenience and comfort of the city’s inhabitants, fostering a more resident-friendly approach to parking regulations.
The new parking schedule is set to enhance the quality of life for Valencians and make Valencia an even more appealing destination for both residents and tourists. With these changes, residents and visitors can now enjoy a more relaxed parking experience, knowing they have two hours of free parking during the day, and additional 13 hours at night, to make the most of their time in Valencia. These changes in parking regulations are a significant win for those seeking to savor the city’s rich culture and dining scene without the added stress of parking fees.
While this measure may be a move in the right direction, its true impact is difficult to predict because the previous administration, in its collection frenzy, converted the majority of blue parking spaces to orange and green, making it impossible for visitors to the city to find an available space.
When we consider the previous administration’s significant reduction in available spaces, as well as the abnormally high prices motorists pay in public garages, it is clear that something, even if symbolic, needed to be done.
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© New Regulations for Parking in Valencia: The Return of Free Time – Valencian.es
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