Vila Real de Santo António council has announced that it is opening up a free car park for 1,200 vehicles in response to local concerns that its new parking meter scheme will deter shoppers from visiting the city.
A total of 1,800 metered car parking spaces now exist in the centre of Vila Real de Santo António which has upset traders keen to encourage shoppers.
The new free parking site is at the old "Cine-Foz" close to the port and “less than five minutes walk” to the centre, according to the council announcement.
The new parking area has access from the main roads through three entrances.
The council says it has reinforced accessibility to shops and restaurants in the city centre which will contribute to the health of the commercial centre of the city.
"The creation of this new parking area is in response to the commitment of the municipality to create alternative areas and free parking due to the parking fee system that is being implemented in the center of VRSA. With this new car park, the municipality now offers 3,200 free spaces in the city.”
The company running the parking meter system is Estacionamentos à Superfície e Subterrâneos, which has a 30-year contract in return for a €400,000 one-off payment to the council plus ‘never less’ than €15,000 a month thereafter.
