The city council of Agadir, Morocco, has decided to end the free parking system in the city's underground garages. The council has included a point in its agenda for the upcoming October session to study and approve a draft agreement for the management of paid parking in underground garages and designated areas. This move comes after the expiration of contracts with companies that previously managed these parking facilities.
The decision was made due to the misuse of the parking facilities by car rental companies. Some of these companies had turned the garages, particularly the one on "Zenqet Al-Maarid", into a hub for their activities, using the space to store and rent out cars. This led to a shortage of parking spaces for residents and visitors during the summer season. The council had previously issued a statement prohibiting the use of the garage for car rental activities.
The city council's decision aims to put an end to the chaotic situation that had developed in the parking facilities. The garage on "Zenqet Al-Maarid" had become a popular spot for car rental companies due to its proximity to the city center and lack of surveillance. The companies would use the garage as a storage facility for their cars, leading to a shortage of parking spaces for others.
The council has now decided to entrust the management of the parking facilities to a local development company, "Agadir Al-Kabir for Transport and Urban Mobility". The company will be responsible for managing the multi-level parking garages and closed parking facilities. This move is expected to bring an end to the free parking system and introduce a paid parking system.
The introduction of paid parking in Agadir's underground garages is expected to bring in revenue for the city. The local development company will be responsible for setting the parking fees and managing the facilities. The move is also expected to help regulate the use of parking facilities and prevent misuse by car rental companies.
The city council's decision has been welcomed by residents who have been struggling to find parking spaces in the city. The council has also warned car rental companies that they will face penalties if they continue to use the parking facilities for their activities. The move is part of a larger effort to improve the management of parking facilities in Agadir and provide better services to residents and visitors.
The new system is expected to come into effect soon, with the local development company set to take over the management of the parking facilities. The city council has assured residents that the new system will be fair and transparent, and that the revenue generated will be used to improve the city's infrastructure and services.
Key points
- Agadir city council votes to end free parking in underground garages.
- Car rental companies had been misusing the parking facilities, leading to a shortage of parking spaces for residents and visitors.
- The management of the parking facilities will be entrusted to a local development company, which will introduce a paid parking system.
