The implementation of the ‘blue zone’ parking tax in the area around the Plaza de Toros Vieja and La Malagueta has minimised the chances of finding a ‘free’ parking space in the centre of Málaga, with one thousand new blue zone spaces having been added since last September.
The 2,180 spaces throughout the city generated revenue of €1.1 million in 2012 from 1.3 million users, and increase of 35% on the previous year. Revenue from traditional municipal car parks, however, has fallen by around 8% during this period as it is cheaper to use the blue zones.
The blue zone tax was reduced earlier this year after complaints from residents and opposition parties. It now costs €0.30 for the first half hour (was €0.35), €1.00 for one hour (was €1.30) and €1.60 for the extended maximum period of 2 hours (was €1.90 for one and a half hours).
Tickets for residents were also reduced, with a 24 hour ticket costing €0.20 (was €0.35) and a weekly ticket costing €1.00 (was €1.50).
Revenue from vehicle towing also increased in 2012 to almost €1 million.