The Bilbao City Council plans to introduce changes to the Parking and Parking Ordinance to improve the use of the OTA (regulated street parking) and strengthen measures for people with reduced mobility. Among the main novelties is the creation of designated parking spaces near public health centers to facilitate access for patients and their escorts.

The proposal, developed by the Department of Mobility and Sustainability, stipulates that individuals accompanying patients can park for free for a maximum of 15 minutes in designated spaces near health centers. For people with reduced mobility, this time will be extended to one hour.

The deputy mayor and councilor for Mobility and Sustainability, Nora Abete, explains that the reform aims to “adjust the rule to real needs” after two years of the current ordinance's validity and to incorporate contributions from citizen groups, political parties, and service users.

The amendment includes new specific measures for people with reduced mobility. For instance, vehicles transporting holders of the European Parking Card will be allowed to park for a maximum of 15 minutes in loading and unloading zones. Additionally, the new text will consolidate all parking conditions applicable to both drivers and escorts with reduced mobility into a specific section.

Another new feature will allow the remaining time on an OTA ticket to be reused in another space within the same blue or green sector, provided the vehicle leaves the parking spot before the paid time expires.

The reform also foresees the creation of three new parking permits. The TEP ticket will be for vehicles with special authorization for public space use; the TCS will allow parking in reserved areas near health centers; and the REG-M registration will be for non-driving individuals with reduced mobility who hold the European Parking Card.

In the professional sphere, the council proposes to relax conditions for vehicles involved in renovation, maintenance, or installation activities requiring prolonged parking. These vehicles will be able to park in green sectors without time limits by obtaining a specific permit and a daily ticket valid throughout the regulated network.

The ordinance amendment also introduces a specific chapter for electrified parking bays in resident parking areas, which will regulate the conditions of use and access for electric vehicles.

Regarding fleet motorcycles associated with economic activities, the text states they will not be allowed to park in blue and green zones and must exclusively use spaces reserved for motorcycles.

The processing of the new ordinance will now continue with a period of ten business days for the opposition to submit amendments. Subsequently, the text will be submitted for initial approval in a plenary session, and a public exhibition period of 30 days will be opened before its final approval.