The traders of Santa Caterina Market have requested that Barcelona City Council review the traffic restrictions implemented on Via Laietana following its renovation. Their main proposal is to allow private vehicles to travel uphill on the street, provided they first use the market's car park.
This request stems from the need to regain customers who, according to David Barroso, president of the stallholders, have been lost due to the construction work and changes in mobility. Barroso noted that during the four years of construction, revenue dropped by 30% and has not yet recovered. Starting April 27, fines will be issued to unauthorized private vehicles driving uphill on the street.
“"During the four years the works lasted, we lost 30% of our turnover and we still haven't recovered."
The stallholders emphasize the importance of accessibility to the market, considering Via Laietana as the only main artery for entry and exit. They propose, as an ideal solution, restoring the pre-construction traffic configuration, with two uphill and two downhill lanes, suggesting a reorganization of the bike lane to achieve this.
Another point of concern is the management of the loading and unloading zone in front of the market, which is often occupied by trucks and vans that are not market suppliers. The stallholders are calling for greater control or a change in hours for this area, as its current use is inefficient and affects daily operations.
