The current parking system in the Market square and adjacent streets, comprising five different regimes, was not always clear. Following an analysis by Igemo and an information session with residents, the municipal council gave the green light on Monday, October 26, for a revised parking plan better suited to the area's various functions.
The new regulations consider hospitality, drop-off/pick-up for children, shopping, residential needs, and work. For example, the square will allow three hours of parking with a parking disc for hospitality, and free parking will be permitted everywhere after 6 PM. A 30-minute parking limit with a disc will apply at the square's edges from 8 AM for child drop-offs. Shopping will be encouraged with a 30-minute parking disc limit on the square's edges between 8 AM and 6 PM. Residents can park unlimitedly with a resident's card, and ample parking is available at the Wilsonstraat and Duffelsesteenweg lots for longer stays.
The 'kiss-and-ride' zone near the bicycle shop will be removed due to confusion and enforcement difficulties. In total, the number of different regimes will decrease from five to three. Unlimited parking will be available at the Wilsonstraat and Duffelsesteenweg parking lots, and at the start of Wilsonstraat. A 3-hour blue zone (excluding resident cards) will apply on the square and parts of Duffelsesteenweg and Lemanstraat. A 30-minute blue zone (8 AM-6 PM) will be in effect around the square and at the Cash-point in Lemanstraat. Parking will remain free, and no parking spaces will be lost.
Municipal services will now proceed with the legal elaboration of the proposal and draft a new supplementary traffic regulation. Once the appropriate signs are installed, the new regulations can come into effect by the end of this year.
