The PS elected officials from the group “Another future for Nice” reacted concerning the duration of free parking on Saturdays. A request for a wish had already been mentioned during a city council meeting on February 7, 2018. Christian Estrosi, the mayor of Nice, had responded with a “no” to this proposal.
However, the situation has evolved since the duration of free parking will be extended to one hour instead of 20 minutes. On Saturdays, the rates will be reduced to 1 euro per hour starting from the second hour (instead of 2.60 euros), as announced by the mayor of Nice at the beginning of June 2019. However, all these changes had previously been discussed by Patrick Allemand and his opposition group, as well as by Fabrice Decoupigny, city councilor and member of the Europe Ecology The Greens group.
After meeting with more than 500 shopkeepers, Patrick Allemand denounces “A legitimate need of the shopkeepers,” for all the shopkeepers closing down. The leader of the city’s socialist group adds, “Politics is about making things happen and pushing boundaries.” The reason being the frustration of shopkeepers suffering from a difficult situation linked to a too strict parking policy. They are also facing repercussions on their turnover after several bleak Saturdays linked to the yellow vest protests in the azure capital.
“2h15 to 3h15, it’s already an improvement!”
Patrick Allemand agrees that progress has been made. However, his proposal was for 4 hours of authorized parking every Saturday, highlighting the struggles of liberal professions trying to find solutions to avoid constant penalties. During the City Council on February 7, 2019, the PS elected official spoke to express his dissatisfaction, “You are killing small businesses!” These measures will be submitted to a vote at the next city council meeting on June 17, and if adopted, they should come into effect starting Saturday, June 22.
