The decision has proved unpopular with the commercial sector of Palma, specifically the retail and catering businesses.
To kick off the New Year the new prices will come into effect on the 1st January 2016. An hour parking at the garage Via Roma and Calle Compte d'Empuries will rise from 1.77 euros to 1.92 euros an hour. High season prices will also come into effect in the parking garage at the Parc de la Mar -Antonio Maura, where between April 1 until October 30, in the peak hours between 10:00-18:00, the cost will be 3 euros an hour. This is a 50% increase on the current price. For most parking garages the daily maximum will remain at 5 euros.
At the moment it is unclear whether the ORA-rates (blue marked parking with ticket machines) in Palma will be increased. In the centre you currently pay 85 cents for 30 minutes to 2.85 euros for 120 minutes (1.42 euros per hour).
This is the first price increase for seven years and the hourly rates are still below those of other major European cities. However, consumer groups are concerned that this change will create a barrier for customers and that in turn will affect sales, especially at the start of the year.
