After two decades of delays and controversy, the paid ‘blue zone’ parking system for Vélez-Málaga and Torre del Mar is now scheduled to come into operation by the end of this year.
The scheme in Vélez-Málaga bears no resemblance to the one requested by local merchants and initially involves 196 spaces in El Pozancón, Camino Viejo de Málaga, calle Canalejas, calle Reñidero and the area around Plaza Reyes Catolicos.
In Torre del Mar, there will initially be 160 spaces in calle San Martín, calle Del Río, calle Del Mar and Plaza de la Axarquía.
Charges will be 35 cents for 30 minutes and 80 cents for one hour with a special weekly rate for residents.
Local residents, however, oppose the scheme in its present format and would have preferred a system such as that being operated in Torrox where ‘blue zone’ parking is in operation but is free. And it works very well.
The parking system will be operated by Amivel, a charity for the disabled.