The plan for free parking in Eeklo is set to reshape local mobility and boost the town’s economy. Announced as part of a broader mobility strategy focusing on traffic-calmed zones and safer cycling infrastructure, this initiative aims to attract more visitors to the town centre. On 2025-04-30 09:55:00, officials highlighted how free parking could reverse the trend of shoppers choosing malls outside Eeklo due to parking fees.
- Introduce free parking as part of mobility plan
- Promote traffic-calmed zones and safe cycling
- Lose half million euros yearly revenue
- Boost local economy with free parking
- Ensure free parking near shops and cafes
- Focus on parking rotation for access
Free parking is a key election promise from #Team9900, which governs alongside Vooruit. While the city expects to lose around half a million euros annually from parking fees, the new multi-year plan factors this into its budget. The goal is to ensure ample free parking within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and popular meeting spots, with a focus on high turnover to maximize access.
How will this strategy impact Eeklo’s local economy and daily life? Let’s explore what this means for residents and visitors alike.
Could free parking be the key to revitalising Eeklo’s commercial heart? The plan suggests so, with several benefits:
- Encourages more local shopping by removing parking fees.
- Supports safer, traffic-calmed zones and better cycling routes.
- Ensures parking spaces have high turnover for easier access.
- Balances financial impacts within a comprehensive multi-year budget.
As Eeklo moves forward with this free parking plan, residents and visitors are invited to embrace the changes. Will this encourage you to explore your local shops more often? Only time will tell, but the future looks promising for a more accessible and vibrant town centre.
