The parking lot of Plaça de la Sardana in Turó de la Seu Vella will change its usage regime to include rates and hours typical of the blue zone. This decision by the council seeks to put an end to the current situation where the space functions as a park-and-ride within the Low Emission Zone of the Old Town.
Access control and time restrictions
The installation will have a barrier at the entrance that will allow controlling the maximum capacity of vehicles. The exact number of spaces will be made public at the time of activating the device. Only supply cars, public transport, emergencies, and authorized personnel will be allowed to enter.
Access will be restricted during the early morning hours when there is no activity in the venue. The city council has not yet set the specific closing time at night.
"They are working to be able to implement the system in the coming weeks" - Municipal sources
The local administration will apply the same operating formula that currently governs the parking lot of the old Magisterio lot. This other facility is located between Bonaire and Sant Martí streets in the upper part of the city.
Bonuses for visitors and new hours
The executive plans to offer specific bonuses for visitors to La Seu Vella. The measure attempts to prioritize the use of parking for those who go to the monument, attend activities, or consume in the area's restoration and leisure offerings.
The current schedules for the blue zone establish service from Monday to Saturday from 9:00 to 14:00 and from 17:00 to 20:00. On Sundays and holidays, parking is free.
There are summer variations that modify these intervals. During June, July, and September, Saturdays the service ends at 2:00 PM. In August, the schedule is reduced to the morning hours from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM, Monday to Saturday.
Fight against illegal parties and new mobility
The central objective of this regulation is to reduce road traffic in the Turó. The authorities want to improve the conservation of historical heritage and reinforce cleaning and security services in the area.
The space has become a conflictive meeting point. Some groups organize parties with alcohol consumption that generate neighborly disturbances, dirt problems, and evident risks for the conservation of the monumental environment.
This intervention is part of the Aparca plan. The global mobility strategy contemplates enabling seven park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the city to decongest the center. The transformation of the Plaça de la Sardana responds to the urgent need to regain control over a public space degraded by the indiscriminate use of private vehicles. The physical barrier and the charging of fees will mark a new frontier between free transit and the active protection of heritage.