Barcelona's Sants-Montjuïc district began issuing fines of up to €100 for motorcyclists parking on pavements from Monday, 20 April. This measure follows numerous resident complaints about blocked pedestrian access in areas like Sants, Hostafrancs, and La Bordeta.
The city council, known as the Ajuntament, launched an informational phase on Monday, 13 April. During this period, officials deployed informers on public roads. They warned drivers and distributed informational material to properties and directly onto parked motorbikes.
Enforcement Targets Key Areas
Now in its enforcement stage, the campaign focuses on specific streets and squares where the city council identified frequent parking infringements. These include Mercat de Sants, Plaça de la Farga, Plaça d'Osca, Carrer d'Olzinelles, Carrer del Consell de Cent, Carrer del Rector Triadó, and Carrer de Melcior de Palau. Improper parking in these busy areas often obstructs pedestrians, including those with mobility issues or pushchairs.
This initiative forms part of the municipal Pla Endreça, a broader plan to enhance public spaces and order. The Ajuntament emphasises that pavements must remain clear for pedestrians, especially the most vulnerable. The new fines also apply to electric scooters and bicycles, reinforcing rules for all two-wheeled vehicles.
Understanding the New Fine Structure
Motorcyclists face different fine amounts depending on the severity of the infraction. A €50 fine applies for parking on pavements less than 3 metres wide. The same fine is issued if parking on pavements less than 6 metres wide when the motorbike is not parallel to the kerb. Additionally, obstructing access to rubbish containers incurs a €50 penalty.
More severe infringements carry a €100 fine. These include parking on pavements near schools and hospitals, which are critical zones for pedestrian safety. Parking on pedestrian crossings or occupying cycle lanes and spaces next to bicycle parking racks also results in the higher fine. These regulations are based on the new Circulation Ordinance, which came into effect in February.
Future Expansion and Parking Solutions
The city council has confirmed plans to extend this campaign to other neighbourhoods within the Sants-Montjuïc district soon. Poble-sec and La Marina are next in line for increased enforcement. This expansion aims to ensure consistent pedestrian accessibility across the district.
As a complementary measure, the Ajuntament has created approximately 2,500 new on-road parking spaces for motorbikes across Barcelona in recent years. These new spaces provide legal alternatives for motorcyclists, helping to reduce pavement parking and improve urban mobility for all residents.
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Originally published by El Periódico Barcelona. Read original article.
