ORA parking still causing confusion

The Calvia town council introduced the ORA (restricted parking) system in the main resorts of the municipality on May 27, but there is still a lot of confusion about just how the system works, and how much residents have to pay. A council spokesman said that the system was introduced to put an end to parking headaches for people seeking a spot near the sea front to leave their cars. The system affects 133 parking spaces in Illetas, 1'289 in Magalluf, 215 in Portals Nous, 1'253 in Santa Ponsa, 716 in Palmanova and 266 in Peguera, and the maximum parking time allowed is 90 minutes. People living in the ORA areas can obtain a special permit which allows them to park near their home without limit. This will cost them 21.60 euros a year or 10.80 euros if the request is made after June 30. The council has set up a special hotline to help residents with the paper work. It is 971 904 072. The restrictions are currently in force Mondays to Sundays from 9.30am to 1.3pm and 4.30 to 8pm. This time table will be in operation until September 30, considered the high season. From October 1 to May 31, when there are fewer visitors, ORA will be enforced on weekdays from 9.30am to 1.30pm and 4.30 to 8pm and Saturdays from 9.30 to 1.30pm. The parking charge is 0.30 euros for half an hour, with a maximum charge of 0.90 euros for the maximum period allowed, 90 minutes unless the driver is in possession of a resident's parking pass. The streets include the Paseo Illetes and Plaça Lepanto in Illetes, the Avinguda d'America, Carrer Falconer and Plaça Alcázar in Portals Nous, Avinguda de la Platja, Carrer Tennis and Carrer Pinzones in Palmanova, Carrer Na Boira, Carrer Punta Balena, Carrer Cala Blanca and Avinguda Magalluf in Magalluf, parts of the Carrer Ramon de Montcada and Avinguda Rei Jaume I in Santa Ponsa and Plaça Corb Mari, Carrer Tarongers and Carrer Roser in Peguera. Street maps showing the complete areas where the ORA applies can be found on the Calvia website, www.calvia.com.