Starting this Monday, drivers in Sabadell must once again pay the corresponding fee to park their vehicles in the city's regulated spaces. The exceptional free access measure, which began on Monday, August 10th, was maintained for 14 days, coinciding with a period of low activity. During this time, nearly 1,500 parking spaces were offered at no cost.
Despite the return of payment, the blue zone will be free again next Saturday, September 5th, coinciding with the Festa Major of Sabadell, for the entire day.
The short duration of the free access period has drawn criticism from some drivers and residents, who question its length compared to other nearby municipalities. Cities like Terrassa extended the flexibility for three weeks (August 2nd to 23rd), while in Sant Cugat, parking is free all month with few exceptions. In Cerdanyola, the blue zone is free throughout August, and in Badia del Vallès, free parking also extends from August 1st to 31st.
Complaints particularly focus on individuals who continue to work during the summer and need to use their vehicles to commute to the city center or other high-demand areas. A resident from the Center expressed that the free period "was too short," while acknowledging that the payment system promotes vehicle rotation, an argument supported by the city council.
