Politics
Eixample votes on mobility levy affecting parking fees and transit routes
The ballot measure would introduce a new commercial property levy to expand bus lanes and pedestrian zones along Passeig de Gràcia and Carrer de Balmes starting in 2027.
How we reported this
The Eixample district council placed a mobility levy referendum on the September 2026 ballot that would raise 3.8 million euros annually from commercial properties to redesign six major streets. Residents within the Eixample boundaries would see changes to on-street parking permits and bus frequencies if the measure passes. The proposal applies only to the district's 1,200 commercial buildings and does not affect residential property taxes.
City records show Eixample handled 42 percent of Barcelona's daily vehicle entries in 2025. District officials scheduled the vote after the 2025 budget review identified shortfalls in maintenance funding for existing bike infrastructure. The referendum follows the standard process under the Catalan Local Government Law, which requires approval by a simple majority of participating voters.
Daily travel changes for residents
Commuters who drive to work along Gran Via de les Corts Catalanes would face new bus-only lanes between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. on weekdays. Local advocates note that permit holders could lose 180 parking spaces on Carrer de València to create wider sidewalks. Delivery drivers serving shops near Plaça de Catalunya would need to use designated loading zones outside peak hours under the plan outlined in the district's draft ordinance.
Households near the proposed zones could apply for reduced-fee resident permits that cost 45 euros per year instead of the current 65 euros. The legislation states that revenue would also pay for two additional bus lines connecting Eixample to the Sant Martí district by late 2027.
Next steps after the vote
If approved, the levy would take effect on 1 January 2027 with the first collection notices mailed in March. District staff would publish implementation maps by October 2026 showing exact locations of new lanes and pedestrian areas. Policy analysts say turnout in previous Eixample referendums has ranged between 28 and 35 percent of registered voters.
Ballot materials will be mailed to all 108,000 registered district voters by 15 August. The results will determine whether the 2027 district budget includes the new revenue line or reverts to existing funding levels for street maintenance.