Ixelles parking permit scheme unveiled

7 April 2005

BRUSSELS – The days of free parking in Brussels’ Ixelles commune could be over thanks to a scheme to help local residents.

The ruling majority on Ixelles council – made up of the socialists (PS), the greens (Ecolos) and the Christian social democrats (CDH) – want to introduce a colour-coded parking scheme.

It would see residents getting permits, which would be virtually free, allowing them to park in orange and blue zones in their residential ‘division’.
Ixelles would be divided into the North (from the inner to the outer ringroad), the South (from the outer ringroad to Boitsfort) and the West (streets west of Avenue Louise).

Drivers from outside the commune or Ixelles residents parking outside homes in other divisions would have to follow parking restrictions in orange zones and pay to park.

Blue zones would be free, but drivers would face restrictions.

Under the proposals, some non-residents, such as traders in Ixelles, could apply for a permit which would cost the equivalent of renting a garage.

The heart of Ixelles’ most commercial area is to be colour-coded red, meaning drivers can park only for limited periods and must pay.

The idea is to ensure cars come and go, rather than a few drivers hogging all the spaces.

The red coding would apply to part of Chaussee d’Ixelles (between Chaussee de Wavre and Rue Prince Albert), Rue du Bailli and Parvis de la Trinite and Avenue de l’Universite (by the cemetery).

Ixelles residents are being leafleted on the project, public presentations are being held on the plans and mobility councillor Aziz Albishari intends to canvass the public on the permits next January.

Subject: Belgian news