In Oristano, Italy, a heated debate unfolds regarding the city’s parking situation, with council members questioning the necessity of the existing 1,312 paid parking spots. Councilor Antonio Iatalese of the Union of the Centre (Udc) has raised concerns, stating that the number of paid spaces is excessive, especially considering the underutilization of certain facilities like the Via Mariano parking garage. Despite its low costs, the garage often remains empty, prompting calls for a review of the parking management strategy.
The local council is currently considering the introduction of a limited traffic zone (ZTL), aiming to alleviate congestion and improve urban mobility. This prospect has thrown light on the need to critically assess how many paid parking spots are truly essential. Iatalese emphasized that the city originally instituted some paid parking areas in avenues such as Bellini and Verdi to compensate for the loss of spaces during the closure of the Via Mariano garage for renovations. However, with the garage now reopened, the justification for such a high number of parking spaces has diminished. Iatalese stressed, “We need to reassess everything and revert to a number closer to 1,100; right now, we have too many, especially considering the imminent ZTL establishment.”
The city’s administration faces constraints until 2027 due to the existing parking concession, which can only be revised once the contract expires. “We cannot intervene at this moment,” explained Ivano Cuccu, the city’s assessor. He noted that although there have been losses in some areas, the municipality has gained approximately 50 new parking spots in locations like the Porta Nuova shopping center and near the Eurospin supermarket.
Cucu highlighted that the parking authority has the option to revoke up to 20% of the total spaces. “There’s flexibility,” he mentioned, adding that the city still holds some administrative power despite the ongoing contract. Even with the removal of some paid parking spots in places like Piazza Mariano, the council remains optimistic about future adjustments.
The context has also shifted since the number of paid spaces was instituted, which was previously set to maintain the employment of 18 staff members. Some of these parking assistants have since shifted to part-time roles, fostering discontent among staff but simultaneously indicating that the current system may need refinement in line with real service demands.
Moreover, the city of Oristano generated significant revenue, approximately €21.6 million from traffic violations in 2024, illustrating that despite the debate over parking spaces, the management of urban traffic remains a lucrative source for municipal funding. This figure underscores how tightly woven parking regulations and traffic control are within the city's financial framework.
As the discussions unfold, the local authorities are weighing a comprehensive evaluation of the parking system against its economic implications, urban planning needs, and citizen feedback. The goal is to smooth out discrepancies between supply and demand for parking, especially in high-traffic areas, to create a more user-friendly infrastructure.
Citizens have already voiced their opinions, and the local government finds itself balancing immediate parking needs while laying the groundwork for sustainable urban mobility. With the implementation of the proposed limited traffic zone on the horizon, the urgency to reach a solution regarding parking availability is becoming more pronounced, leading to discussions that could impact the daily lives of Oristano residents significantly.
The council aims to strike a balance between reducing congestion and ensuring sufficient parking availability. With plans for the ZTL set to roll out soon, officials understand that the decisions made now could have long-lasting effects on urban mobility and the overall quality of life in Oristano.
