Ninove (24brussels) – Ninove, under the leadership of Forza Ninove, is set to open a temporary parking lot at Oude Kaai, adjacent to the former Kaaischool, in three weeks. Alderman Pascal Schietecat aims to alleviate parking shortages in the city center, reports 24brussels.
According to VRT News, construction will commence soon on the temporary parking lot, close to the city center. The initiative received approval from the previous city administration but was stalled due to legal issues.
The new administration, led by Forza Ninove, has reaffirmed the project’s significance. Parking in Ninove is relatively affordable compared to other cities, with drivers in the red zone paying €3 for 2 hours, and the yellow zone offering 4 hours for €3.20. However, parking fines are notably higher at €15.
“It’s everyone’s right to find a free parking space first,”
Stated Alderman Pascal Schietecat (Forza Ninove).
How is Ninove addressing parking shortages with temporary parking initiatives?
The planned temporary parking will include free spaces alongside paid zones, although some stakeholders express concerns that this might result in underutilized paid areas. City officials clarify that the primary goal is to effectively manage the current parking shortage. By providing more options, they aim to enhance accessibility, reduce congestion, and improve overall navigation of the city center.
The new parking lot will be situated on the grounds of the former Kaaischool, which has been largely demolished and has remained vacant for some time. Municipal spokesperson Schietecat indicated that the city expects the lot to be operational within three weeks.
Similar initiatives have been executed in other Belgian cities to mitigate short-term parking shortages arising from urban development projects. In Leuven, for instance, the city partnered with KU Leuven and the NMBS to create a science park on a railway plateau, which included plans for a large park-and-ride facility. This initiative aimed to provide ample parking space for commuters and visitors to the science park.
