The introduction of the new regulated parking system in Alicante has encountered a setback, delaying the rollout of the highly anticipated blue and orange zones. The municipal project, which includes a major expansion of parking spaces and a new fee structure, is currently on hold as the local administration navigates the final stages of the massive contract.
Valued at 143 million euro, the 19-year contract covers the management of the ORA (regulated parking), the vehicle recovery crane service, and road signalling. A central feature of the new plan is the transformation of the orange zone into a free parking area for residents. Under the current rules, residents pay 30 cents per day to use these spots, but once the new contract is active, this charge will be abolished entirely.
The expansion is set to significantly benefit several neighbourhoods suffering from high parking pressure. Areas such as Benalúa Sur, Juzgados, Alipark, and Princesa Mercedes are designated to receive the bulk of the 2,542 new orange zone spaces. In total, Alicante will see its regulated parking capacity reach 3,050 spaces, with over 80 per cent dedicated to residents.
In addition to being free of charge, the new rules will allow residents to park in their designated orange zones for up to five days without moving their vehicles. Non-residents will still be permitted to use these spaces, but for a maximum of two hours and at a higher rate than the standard blue zone.
While the municipal government had previously approved the tender specifications, the formal awarding and commencement of the service have been pushed back. Officials remain committed to the project, which also includes moving the vehicle pound to a new, more accessible location in Rabasa, situated next to the future site of the Guardia Civil headquarters.