A quick glance out the window and Julien Febvre can’t hide his annoyance. A few meters from its restaurant and Italian grocery store, the Place du Maréchal de Lattre de Tassigny car park, in the heart of Strasbourg, seems very empty. “Already it was not easy with the works since November but there, it is worse since the prices of parking soared at the beginning of April”, plague the manager of “Bottega Renzini”. Its zone has gone from orange to red and prices have also taken a hit: 3.50 euros for the first hour, 8 for the second and… 35 euros for the third!
So the trader decided to act. In his way. Since last Friday, he has been offering reductions to his customers who drive. “On presentation of proof of parking, I offer 1 euro for takeaway sales, which is equivalent to thirty minutes of parking. And 3.50 euros on the addition of a meal, which corresponds to one hour, ”explains the 30-year-old native of Haute-Marne, who clearly displayed this reduction. As a result, “at least thirty discounts” have been granted for a week.
“A hundred euros per week offered”
Opposite, Audray Gabriel counts, she, rather in euros. The hairdresser also agreed to commercial gestures for her clients. “I am at a hundred euros per week offered”, details the leader of “MAG Coiffure”. “My clients sometimes stay up to three or even four hours, so I’ll let you imagine the cost of parking! that’s why I offer up to 5% discount, which ranges from 5 to 15 euros. »
Both are aware of it: the situation cannot last. “We suffer too much and by force, shops will close”, denounce Julien Febvre, who now hopes to be heard. Not him directly, but his representatives. “I just did this operation to react. Now it’s at the UMIH (Union of hotel trades and industries) and other organizations to make themselves heard at the town hall. »
Soon a meeting with the town hall
A meeting is obviously planned for June 5 “with local elected politicians”, as mentioned by the Chamber of Trades of Alsace in an email sent to economic actors in Strasbourg. In it, a consultation is also organized. With several possible proposals to develop this parking reform. Free between noon and 2 p.m., for the first hour, etc.
“And why not the blue disc”, wonders Audray Gabriel, reassembled. “I am absolutely not against ecology and the fact that there are fewer cars,” she concludes. But there are many solutions instead of bludgeoning everyone like that. »