Fez overhauls traffic and parking lots

Urban mobility is back at the heart of the municipal agenda. In Fez, a large-scale study on the reorganization of traffic and parking in the city center will be launched in the coming weeks.

The stated objective: to create a «decongested city center « , consistent with ongoing urban projects and ambitions to revitalize public spaces.
Led by the Fez Region Development Corporation (SFRA), the project aims to equip the spiritual capital with decision-making tools and a short-, medium-, and long-term action plan. A call for tenders has been issued to select a firm, or consortium, of consulting engineers to carry out the mission, in coordination with the wilaya (province), the municipality, and the relevant districts.
The study covers a strategic network of intersections. In total, 16 major intersections, 24 intermediate intersections, and 14 minor intersections will be analyzed. Traffic counts will be conducted on weekdays during the morning and evening rush hours to accurately reflect traffic flow. The four-month project will be carried out in three phases.The first phase will focus on a comprehensive assessment of the current traffic and parking situation. The second phase will involve developing planning scenarios that integrate user needs and all modes of transport.
Finally, the third phase will result in a prioritized and costed action plan, supported by a multi-year investment program. Ultimately, the city aims to adopt a new traffic plan, a revamped parking policy, and a framework for the development of public spaces that promotes active mobility (walking, cycling). While the study aims to be forward-looking, it comes in a context of chronic dysfunction. For nearly a decade, the «parking» category of municipal finances has shown a persistent deficit.
The «Fez-Parkings» project, spearheaded by the eponymous Local Development Company (SDL), was intended to structure the sector and generate up to 6 million dirhams (USD 654,000) annually. Launched during Driss El Azami El Idrissi’s presidency, the initiative was met with widespread public opposition . As a result, the SDL never truly got off the ground. In June 2021, its managers resigned. Parking permit holders were left without service.
Five years later, the estimated losses amount to 48 million dirhams (USD 5.2 million) , not including the 18 million dirhams (USD 1.96 million) in technological investments initially planned but never committed.
Youness SAAD ALAMI