GERB and BSP failed the parking reform in Sofia by postponing the consideration of the report to the fall. By refusing to support the proposal, the two parties doomed the capital to more years of disorder, unfair privileges and lost opportunities for investments in a better urban environment, said “Save Sofia“.
“With this decision, GERB and BSP doomed the city to chaos. Instead of bringing order to the neighborhoods, service subscriptions will continue to take over entire streets and sidewalks, without any will for change,“ said Boris Bonev, municipal councilor from “Save Sofia“.
The rejection of the reform also means a serious loss of revenue for the city. The proposed model would have brought tens of millions to the municipal treasury, which “Save Sofia“ proposed to be invested in the construction of neighborhood parking lots, street repairs and the purchase of new vehicles for public transport.
“This money will not enter the municipal budget and the city will not solve the problems with transportation. Instead, we will continue to watch as street space is taken over by cars and traffic everywhere is suffocating,” commented Andrey Zografski, deputy chairman of the transport committee.
In response to the sabotage by the status quo parties, “Save Sofia” withdrew its report. From now on, all responsibility for the future of parking in Sofia lies with GERB and BSP, they said.
“Save Sofia has done everything possible. Now we eagerly await their proposals for better reforms. The truth is that we all know – the answer will be a round zero,” added Bonev.
“Save Sofia” remains committed to the principles of fair and sustainable urban transport and will continue to fight for policies that work in the interest of all Sofia residents.