Free temporary parking permits for Ixelles residents unable to access garages due to roadworks

Residents of a busy neighbourhood in Brussels whose garages are inaccessible due to roadworks can now benefit from a free temporary parking permit.

Until now, residents in Ixelles had no other solution than to park in the street and, where applicable, pay parking fees when access to their private garages was blocked by roadworks.

The situation was particularly problematic for people who were not officially registered as residents in the municipality and were therefore not eligible for a resident parking permit.

But local authorities have now come up with a solution. A new initiative has been proposed by Gautier Calomne, first alderman responsible for Economy and Commerce, and Valérie Libert, alderwoman responsible for Mobility and Parking, both members of MR & Anders avec vous.

To address the issue, the municipality of Ixelles held discussions with parking.brussels, the regional agency responsible for parking in Ixelles, in order to find a practical solution.

“We have listened to the difficulties experienced by our residents, explained Libert. “In recent months, several urgent works have had to be carried out at very short notice, particularly following unforeseen interventions by Vivaqua, for example. Suddenly residents found themselves unable to use their garage, without having a suitable alternative for parking their vehicle. This was unacceptable.”

The parking agency and the municpality came up with a scheme which applies to works in public spaces lasting at least 10 working days, representing approximately 20 worksites per year in Ixelles.

Those affected can submit their application directly to the regional agency via the contact form on its website. Applicants will need to provide proof of their connection to the vehicle and of their regular use of the garage that has become inaccessible. The permit will be free of charge and will remain valid for the entire period during which the garage is inaccessible as a result of the works concerned.

Calomne added: “The first residents and shopkeepers to benefit from this solution in Ixelles were those affected by Vivaqua’s works in the Châtelain neighbourhood. This neighbourhood has already been significantly affected by major works in recent years.”

Residents affected by the works will be informed about this option before the works begin. Practical information will also be available on the municipality’s website.

Photo: Valérie Libert and Gautier Calomne