The Guàrdia Urbana, Barcelona's local police, has recently intensified its enforcement of motorcycle parking regulations in the Sants-Montjuïc district, targeting poorly parked motorcycles that cause neighbour complaints and hinder pedestrian mobility. Fines for violations began on 20 April, following an initial informative period.
The campaign, which runs until 26 April, focuses on the neighbourhoods of Sants, Hostafrancs, and la Bordeta, areas identified as "black spots" due to a high volume of incidents. According to betevé, the first week of the initiative involved distributing leaflets and posters to inform residents about the new Circulation Ordinance, which came into force in February.
This intensified surveillance aims to reinforce compliance with the updated rules, which prohibit parking on pavements less than three metres wide, among other restrictions. Residents have frequently complained about motorcycles obstructing pedestrian pathways, creating accessibility issues and safety concerns in busy areas.
Fines for Parking Violations
From 20 April, the Guàrdia Urbana began issuing sanctions for non-compliance. Parking a motorcycle on a pavement less than three metres wide incurs a fine of €50. More serious infringements, such as occupying a pedestrian crossing or a cycle lane, carry a higher penalty of €100, officials said.
Specific streets and areas under particular scrutiny include Carrer d'Olzinelles, Plaça d'Osca, and the vicinity of Mercat de Sants. Patrols are also focusing on Carrer Consell de Cent, Carrer Rector Triadó, and Carrer Melcior de Palau, all of which have generated numerous complaints from pedestrians.
Expanding Enforcement and New Parking Spaces
The campaign in Sants-Montjuïc is set to expand to the neighbourhoods of la Marina and Poble-sec at a later date, according to the City Council. The council emphasises that motorcycles should preferably be parked on the road. The new regulations also explicitly prohibit parking on pavements near schools and hospitals to ensure safety for vulnerable pedestrians.
To facilitate adherence to the new Circulation Ordinance, the City Council has created 2,500 new motorcycle parking spaces on the road in recent years. This initiative aims to provide sufficient alternatives for riders while improving pedestrian mobility and safety across the city.
