THE parkinghas Senlisis a subject on which we like to discuss the social networks. But the city’s implementation of a new parking policy has really set things on fire. It must be said that the existing municipality did not go there with the back of the spoon. This is how from next year, the situation will change with a modification of the red and green zones, the establishment ofsubscriptions for residents, the use of a control service, the increase from 15 to 30 free minutes and the establishment of a payment service using “Pay by phone” and Indigo applications. If these last two measures were favorably received by most users, the same cannot be said of the first three.
Promote vehicle rotation
“Only 474 parking spaces are affected by this project,” immediately recalls Patrick Gaudubois, the deputy mayor in charge of mobility. Which only represents a quarter of the places in Senlis. The idea, like everywhere else, is to encourage vehicle rotation and avoid sucker cars. We have therefore decided to reduce the red zone which now only concerns shopping streets. At the same time, we are expanding the green zone, which surrounds the red zone.
We understand that parking in the red zone will cost more for visitors and customers than parking in the green zone. But that’s not all. The city has in fact decided to set up subscriptions in the green zone for local residents. To have the right to park there during the day, it will cost 40 euros per month or 400 euros per year for local residents. “These prices may be expected to change,” moderates Patrick Gaudubois. A working group, including volunteer local residents, has just been formed. Tariffs feature prominently among the points that will be discussed.”
Loiseleur / Hidalgo, same fight?
Regarding the station car park, local residents will be able to benefit from a subscription set at 30 euros per month or 300 euros per year.
It is the price of these subscriptions that are setting social networks on fire. “Frankly, Madam Mayor Pascale Loiseleur, if she absolutely persists in putting in place these parking rates for Senlis residents, we could nickname her the Hidalgo of Senlis, says for example Franklin Lepage who, as we know, “rolls” for Jean-Christophe Canter, the former mayor of Senlis who aspires to become one again. It’s just crazy to charge 400 euros per year without being sure of having a place. Worse, the subscription is not valid in red zones where you could be fined 35 euros even if you have a subscription. This makes no sense. Why not do as in Gouvieux with a blue zone and the blue disc? It works very well and is very practical for everyone.
Still some support
Mamadou believes that “400 euros per month, just for parking, that’s great!” Anne is of the same opinion. “400 Euros? It’s frankly shameful. Half would already be more reasonable…” Same story from Michel: “Another poorly studied file. Resident rate in Paris (see Paris town hall website): light vehicle and heavy vehicle. 1 month: €10, 1 year: €45 and 3 years: €90.”
But the new measures still have some support. “We must ban cars in the city center as soon as possible, given the fragility of the underground and considering that the weight of an electric car is on average half a ton heavier,” says Fran. This is urgent and essential!” Damien is more mixed: “It seems that the blue disk does not interest local residents and traders since it has been studied/tested before, right? And above all it brings zero to the Town Hall. But I also think it’s a good solution.”
Something had to be done
Patrick Gaudubois knows very well that the new measures will not be unanimous. But there was no question of remaining idly faced with the difficulties encountered. “In fact, by reducing the red zone, we will encourage vehicle rotation,” he assures. This area includes 114 places. They are entirely dedicated to customers of city center businesses.”
To ensure the proper application of the new rules, the city has therefore chosen to call on an external service provider, the company Streeteo. “But be careful,” warns Patrick Gaudubois. This is not a delegation of a public service but a service. We will still be the ones to set the rules.” By calling on a private company, the city will also, in a way, “recover” for other tasks, more related to security, the two municipal police officers previously in charge of parking. “Because there is obviously no question of ending their contract,” concludes the deputy mayor.
