CDS-PP Madeira Urges Reduced Parking Fees For Residents At Pico Do Arieiro

Party Calls For Fair Treatment Of Residents Amid Tourism Boom

The CDS-PP Madeira has called to exempt local residents from the recently introduced parking fees at Pico do Arieiro or to significantly reduce these charges. The party's statement comes in response to the government's efforts to regulate access to pedestrian routes, which includes a €4 per hour parking fee at the popular tourist destination.

It is prudent and common sense to consider a reduced rate, or even exemption for residents in the Region who have no responsibility for increasing the flow of tourists in that area and others and who do not have purchasing power equivalent to those who visit us . One solution will be to exempt payment in more distant parks and only pay a minimum fee in the parking lot closest to Pico do Arieiro.

José Manuel Rodrigues, quoted by Diário de Notícias da Madeira

Residents Should Not Bear The Cost Of Tourism Growth, CDS Argues

In its statement, the CDS emphasized that residents should not be held responsible for the surge in tourist numbers and should not be subjected to the same parking fees as visitors. The party contends that Madeirans lack the purchasing power of tourists and should not be penalized by these new costs.

Proposed Solutions: Exemptions and Reduced Fees

The CDS proposed that parking fees could be waived for residents in more distant parking lots, with only a minimal charge applied to the parking lot closest to Pico do Arieiro. The party believes that this approach would strike a balance between regulating access and respecting the financial realities of local residents.

Positive Discrimination For Residents

The CDS also called for this principle of positive discrimination for residents to be applied in other parking areas and services that may be developed in the future. The party highlighted that such practices are common in many tourist destinations and do not conflict with European Union regulations.

Support for Tourism, But with Caution

While the CDS-PP Madeira expressed its support for the growth of tourism, acknowledging its role in job creation and economic development, it also cautioned that the government must be mindful of the rising costs associated with increased tourist activity. The party stressed the importance of finding measures to mitigate these impacts on the daily lives of Madeirans and residents.

Sources: Jornal da Madeira, Diário de Notícias da Madeira