The new technological elements of l'Aigüera car park and the drop in rates are already translating into a higher occupancy rate in the car park

The progressive incorporation of new technological elements and the lowering of rates in the l'Aigüera car park has already caused some positive effects. Among them, the first that stands out is the increase in the average occupancy of the car park. Thus, according to the data for February, the first month of operation with municipal management, it can be seen that the number of vehicles that have used the site is higher from one year to the next.

In February 2022, the number of paid vehicles amounted to 11,069 throughout the month. A year later, in February 2023, the number rose to 11,933. As for March, last year 12,743 vehicles were registered, a number slightly higher than the one that had been registered until the 26th. The forecast, however, is to equal or exceed it once the month is over.

The Department of Mobility, its owner José Ramón González de Zárate, has pointed out as the main cause "the reduction in rates that has been applied, the introduction of technological elements already in operation such as the license plate reader or the bonuses for residents, tourists staying in the center or visitors who come to the city to buy or consume and who have an hour of free parking”.

Since last month, the option for motorcycles and mopeds to park for free inside the car park has also been added to the vehicle spaces. In fact, according to the data provided by the Department, at peak hours there are an average of 20-25 motorcycles parked inside "which greatly alleviates and improves the surrounding motorcycle spaces."

Even though the implementation of the new measures is being carried out progressively until September 30, "the truth is that the positive effects and good acceptance by users are already being noticed," the counselor has indicated.

It should be remembered that the rates have undergone a significant reduction with the new price update and, according to Ordinance number 44 regulating the public price for the provision of parking services in this car park, the amount, in general, is now 0.317 euros per minute and 1.90 euros per hour, with a maximum amount per day of 38 euros.

Some bonuses are also contemplated in these general prices. Resident sticker holders enjoy a 36.9% discount, so the price per minute is 0.020 euros and 1.20 euros/per hour. The maximum amount per day is 28.80 euros. Likewise, clients of hotel establishments (hotels, hostels, tourist apartments, etc.) in the center of Benidorm have a discount of 21.14%, with a price per minute of 0.025 euros and a price per hour of 1.50 euros. In this case, the maximum amount for one day will be 36 euros.

The bonus of one hour of free parking when presenting a purchased ticket in shops, bars, restaurants, etc. from the center of Benidorm also benefits more users since it goes from 60 euros last year to 20 euros now.

González de Zárate has detailed that the commercial and restaurant establishments in the downtown area "have received free one-hour parking tickets to deliver to customers who have spent equal to or greater than 20 euros and 100 vouchers will be delivered per establishment, with an expiration of six months. However, the mayor has specified that until the installation of the new equipment is completed and the tickets are distributed, "the bonus will be made by presenting the ticket or invoice at the parking offices."

“These are very good and interesting prices for the residents in the center of Benidorm. Also very good for clients of hotels, apartments, etc. and also for those who spend in shops and restaurants, because they will have one hour free with a minimum spend of 20 euros, while before it amounted to 60 euros. In short, "we prioritize rotation, but also our neighbors and the people who come to spend and consume in the city”, he stated.

González de Zárate also recalled other innovations that are being implemented in the car park, offered as improvements by the AYSA company, including the installation of more surveillance cameras, a traffic guidance system, and the location of free spaces, spaces with charging for electric vehicles, for vehicles with trailers or larger seats for family vehicles with pushchairs, among others.

Finally, the counciloR asked the residents and users of the car park for "patience and understanding until this provisional phase is over, during which the new equipment will be installed and that will help us to know and size up the way to offer the best service to our neighbors." and visitors. We are convinced that this new stage is going to be a very important benefit for them”.