Marbella has approved parking zones in blue, green, and orange.

Marbella Council adopted a new parking policy during its regular plenary meeting on Friday, 26 September. This replaces an old system in use for over a ten-year period.

The updated ordinance is designed to meet the current urban mobility needs, while still maintaining some of lowest parking rates across the country.

Felix Romero from the municipality stated that they hope to “promote vehicles turnover and local commerce, while incorporating measures specific for residents.” The town is divided into four zones, and new parking areas in red and orange will be added to the blue and green zones.

Romero said that the ordinance is a framework for the finalisation of a technical, economic and fiscal study, the terms and conditions of the concession and a tax ordinance. The key features are:

• Blue Zone: Rates are discounted for residents if the time is longer than two hours.
• Red Zone: This zone is for areas with high traffic near public services. The parking time limit is 30 minutes.
• Green Zone: Intended for residential areas. Non-residents are limited to four hours.
• Orange Zone: This is a parking zone that offers a 24-hour reduced rate for designated public lots or areas. It’s also available at major events.

Additional measures include the option to cancel parking fines online within 24 hours for a reduced fee of five euros, mandatory control of loading and unloading zones with a ‘zero ticket’ system, and the inclusion of electric vehicle charging stations across the municipality.

Romero said that the ordinance encourages community participation in urban planning by allowing business associations, neighborhood councils and citizens to suggest the creation or modification regulated parking zones. The new framework should improve mobility and support local businesses while also addressing the changing needs for residents and tourists in Marbella.