The implementation of Benidorm’s orange and green zones for regulated parking has been completed. The contract to provide and install parking meters, control devices, and a management platform for these regions has been awarded by the Local Government Board. With an offer of €362,758 (IVA included), Flowbird España SLU was the successful bidder.

In this manner, additional orange and green parking areas will be added for both locals and tourists, however the latter will have to pay to park on these coloured streets. The city started to be divided into sectors in 2021, and some roadways were painted green and orange. However, up until now, only residents—that is, cars that were correctly identifiable with a card when registered—were allowed to use the streets. But this tender will bring about a thorough overhaul of the system.

Therefore, only residents are allowed to park in the orange-regulated parking zone for a maximum of ten days without incurring a fine. Non-residents of the municipality of Benidorm are not permitted to park. This parking area is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

However, non-residents who can demonstrate their right to be in city establishments are now permitted to park in the orange zone. They will use a form to demonstrate their rights. Parking will therefore be allowed for one hour for those who spend between €5 and €9.99, two hours for those who spend between €10 and €14.99, and three hours for those who spend €15 or more.

Parking in the green zone will be restricted to a fee, subject to vehicle pricing, based on the terms of the blue zone, and will be enforced around-the-clock, every day of the year. However, residents are allowed to park in this area for a maximum of 48 hours without incurring a tax.

The bidding process

On February 21st, the Contracting Committee proposed the award based on the scores the company’s bid received based on the several criteria used. After the Governing Board approved the proposal and the corporation provided the final assurance and the necessary paperwork, the award is now in force.

In order to accomplish the goals outlined in the 2023 Sustainable Tourism Destination Plan, “Verde Benidorm,” which is a component of the Recovery, Transformation, and Resilience Plan and is funded by the European Union (NextGenerationEU), this contract is a vital step. Action number 16 (Reorganisation of traffic flow in green and orange zones) is the milestone, and it is specifically part of Programmatic Axis number 4, which is related to competitiveness.

According to the contract, regulated parking in the aforementioned locations is necessary to build a traffic flow control and management system. With a basic tender budget of €394,299, the process was transparent, standardised, and carried out as a regular operation.

64 parking meters

Eighteen months is the specified execution timeframe. “The supply, installation, and commissioning of the equipment and management platforms must be up and running within a maximum of six months, while ensuring the software’s operation has a further twelve months,” explained Francis Muñoz, the Councillor for Mobility. The system’s operational guarantee is set at one year, and the parking meters’ guarantee is set at two years. A total of 64 meters will be placed in accordance with the specifications.

The red zone

He further explained that “the contract stipulates that both the management platform, the control devices, and the parking meters must allow for parking regulation based on the characteristics of each zone type, so that variables such as schedules, rates, and permits can be modified.” He went further to say that “in the future, they must allow parking management in the so-called red zone, which would be where parking would only be permitted for residents, for a limited time and without paying any fees, but which expressly prohibits parking for non-residents of Benidorm.”

143 students from El Limonar International School in Villamartín (San Miguel de Salinas) and Murcia have accepted the challenge of developing their leadership and personal skills as part of the Duke of Edinburgh International Award (DofE), which is still having an impact in the Vega Baja and Murcia region.

This programme, which was started in 1956 by HRH Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, has revolutionised youth education by providing participants with a special chance for development and success through challenges that extend beyond the classroom.

The DofE is divided into four primary sections: Volunteering, Physical Activity, Skills, and Expedition. At the Gold level, there is also a residency portion. It is intended for young people from all over the world who are between the ages of 14 and 24.

Fostering resilience, self-sufficiency, and teamwork—all essential for the academic setting and the workplace of the future—is the aim.

A life-changing event

While the majority choose extracurricular activities, some students actively participate in the volunteer programme at school by serving on the student council, helping out in the classroom, and creating other community projects.

There are countless choices available, such as students volunteering to walk dogs and even horses on a local farm or to care for the elderly.

Thankfully for their neighbours, some people are dedicated to maintaining the neighbourhood where they live, whether it’s by collecting trash and separating it for recycling or helping to water and prune plants.

Some students have chosen to learn how to play chess, write for the school newspaper, cook, or even learn a new language under the Skills area. One noteworthy instance is when a student learnt the fundamentals of Greek in just one year.

Participants engaged in activities including football, windsurfing, cycling, athletics and skiing as part of the physical activity category. The “Jump off the couch and run 5 km” challenge offered a healthy and inspiring substitute for individuals who are less motivated to exercise.

One of the programme’s biggest problems has been expeditions. Some students have even finished four journeys despite their difficulty, citing the collaboration and camping experience as their most beneficial features.

Recognition on a global scale

Employers and universities place a high value on the DofE International Programme, which is available in more than 130 countries and offers both academic and personal challenges.

In reality, obtaining a Gold Award is regarded by certain UK institutions as being on par with an academic degree, which makes it easier to access prospects for further study and employment.

The Duke of Edinburgh International Award, which offers much more than just a certificate—a strong foundation for their future—has made a name for itself as a life-changing educational experience for young people in the Vega Baja and Murcia regions because to its high standards and dedication.

“This award represents an exceptional opportunity for our students to develop resilience, leadership, and a spirit of adventure beyond the classroom,” said Jon Wayth, Director of ELIS Villamartín. We are honoured to accompany them on this trip because we know it will make them more self-assured, competent, and compassionate people.

As part of their investigation into the sexual assault of a child alleged during the recent Fallas festival, the National Police have taken two minors into custody in the town of Gandia.

The Valencian Community Police Headquarters reports that the arrests were made last Friday, 21st March, and that the attack happened early on March 16th.

According to the same sources, the police investigation is still ongoing, so more arrests are not out of the question.

The Juvenile Prosecutor’s Office was presented with the accused sexual assaulters.