Another protest against the controversial reform in paid parking in Sofia was held today in front of the Sofia Municipality building. Dissatisfied citizens gathered to express their categorical disagreement with the planned changes, which will come into force next year.
The main demand of the demonstrators is for the new rules to be completely revised. According to them, the local government does not offer a real solution to the chronic problem of the lack of parking spaces, but is only trying to collect more money from drivers.
The protesters described the double increase in parking prices in the zones as "theft and racketeering". They are categorical that the measures are punitive, not regulatory.
"The Sofia Municipality is deceiving us that it will somehow solve an insoluble parking problem - this is absolute racketeering", said disgruntled citizens, quoted by the Bulgarian National Radio.
According to the participants in the demonstration, the administration's real goal is to make owning a car economically unprofitable.
"Their goal is actually for the car to become a superfluous item that only generates expenses", protesters commented.
Citizens are demanding more adequate measures and flexibility, especially for those living in the center, who are most affected by the changes. The main criticism is directed at the lack of investment in infrastructure before the restrictions were introduced.
"The problem is the lack of parking space in the zone", the people are categorical. They called on the municipality to first provide the necessary conditions.
"They should offer parking spaces, show what is being thought of where and only then introduce this zone", the protesters insisted on national radio.
This is another demonstration against the new parking ordinance in the capital, with citizens threatening new actions if their demands are not heard.