Marbella Shop Owners and Employees Protest High Parking Fees
Shop owners and employees in Marbella’s historic centre are voicing their concerns over the exorbitant prices for private car parks in the town. They claim that the high parking fees are driving locals to prefer shopping at La Cañada shopping centre, leaving them reliant on tourists for business. The high parking costs are seen as a deterrent for locals who risk spending a significant portion of their shopping budget on parking alone.
Comparing Parking Prices in Marbella’s Car Parks
The average parking fee in the area is 4.30 euros per hour, as charged by Mercado, La Pesquera and Centro de Marbella car parks. The most affordable parking option is at Avenida del Mar, costing 2.50 euros per hour. However, the Francisco Norte car park has variable rates depending on the time of day, with the highest being 5.50 euros per hour from 10am to 3pm.
Concerns Over High Parking Fees in Comparison to Other Towns
The high parking fees in Marbella are a cause for concern among shopkeepers who compare the town’s parking costs to those in Mijas or Estepona, where parking is only one euro per day. The high costs are not only a problem for shoppers but also for employees who struggle with packed public transport.
Efforts to Promote Commerce Amid High Parking Fees
In an effort to mitigate the situation, the town hall and the Acoprocamar association of traders and professionals of Marbella’s old town have signed several agreements aimed at promoting commerce. One such agreement with Telpark allows shoppers who spend more than 10 euros to enjoy an hour of free parking. However, business owners are skeptical that these measures will offset the impact of the high parking fees on the local economy.
Is Affordable Public Transport the Solution?
The town hall has also implemented measures to improve public transport as a way to encourage consumption in the old town. Marbella buses are free for registered town residents, and last year, there were 82,208 active mobility cards contributing to 6.4 million journeys. Non-registered persons pay 1.18 euros per journey. Despite these efforts, cars remain a preferred mode of transport for shopping due to their convenience, leading business owners to continue their call for more affordable parking prices.
