632 Paid Parking Spaces to Replace Free Zones

Trinitat Vella, a neighbourhood in the Sant Andreu district of Barcelona, will see the end of free street parking when Zone 36 of the city’s Green Area (Àrea Verda) comes into operation on Monday 9 November 2026. The measure, confirmed by the Ajuntament de Barcelona, aims to prioritise residents and reduce commuter parking in the area.

768 Spaces Available to Residents Through Shared Access

The new regulation will create 632 green-marked parking spaces. However, residents registered within Zone 36 will be able to use a total of 768 spaces, thanks to shared access with nearby Zone 20. This arrangement is designed to improve parking availability for locals while discouraging non-residents from using the area as a free park-and-ride location.

Two-Hour Limit for Non-Residents

Drivers who are not registered residents will be allowed to park for a maximum of two hours in regulated spaces, within posted hours and upon payment of a fee. This restriction targets drivers from other municipalities who have used Trinitat Vella’s streets to park before continuing into central Barcelona via public transport. The area is adjacent to major transport routes including Passeig de Santa Coloma, Avinguda Meridiana, and the Nus de la Trinitat interchange.

Motorcycle and Goods Delivery Spaces Added

As part of the reorganisation, 231 dedicated motorcycle parking spaces will be created to clear pavements, and 29 Urban Goods Distribution (DUM) bays will be installed to support efficient loading and unloading operations.

Residents to Receive Information Letters

From 26 October 2026, the City Council will send informational letters to households within Zone 36, detailing how the system will work. Residents registered in the zone and owning a vehicle registered in Barcelona will not need to complete any prior application process. New residents, and those using company, rental, or leased vehicles for more than three months, must apply via the Virtual Office, by calling 010, or through an appointment at BSM (Barcelona Servei de Mobilitat).

Resident Fees Tied to Vehicle Emissions

The cost of resident parking permits will be linked to the vehicle’s environmental sticker issued by the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT), incentivising lower-emission vehicles.

Works Underway Ahead of November Launch

Installation of temporary signage began on 22 September 2026. The main phase of work runs from 30 September to 6 November, during which crews will paint green road markings, install permanent signs, and connect new digital parking meters.

The City Council recommends using the SMOU app to manage parking. Through the 'Residents Barcelona' section, users can purchase digital tickets ranging from one day to one year. Validity will be checked via licence plate, eliminating the need to display a receipt on the dashboard.

The new Zone 36 will officially come into operation on Monday, 9 November 2026.

Primary sources: Ajuntament de Barcelona, bcnroc.ajuntament.barcelona.cat. Reported by metropoliabierta.elespanol.com, elprogresivo.com, beteve.cat, Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life.