Confusion over Parking Signs in Port de Sóller – Traders complain of lost customers

Misleading Parking Signs at the Entrances to Port de Sóller Lead to Empty Promenade

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Port de Sóller is currently experiencing something going wrong, and everyone notices: cafes, souvenir shops, and small boat businesses complain that visitors are staying away. The cause is the new electronic parking signs at the entrances to the harbor. On many days, as affected people report, the display shows 'full' — even though along the promenade and at the fishing harbor there are still parking spaces available.

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People turn away and drive off

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"Saturday late morning around 11:30 the display was red — 'full'. I counted the people: there were still ten free spaces in front of our place," says a cafe operator who works at the mole. She speaks softly, almost resigned. "Most visitors see the sign, think it's not worth it, and drive to Portals or to Sóller. We lose table reservations."

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The anger hits especially small businesses. A vendor on the road to the boat rental describes how tourists, instead of stopping, keep driving: "You lose spontaneous visitors. In summer it's less noticeable, but now in the off-season every customer counts."

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Technology, installation error or poor calibration?

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The causes are still unclear. Some residents suspect faulty sensors at the entrances, others think the signs are not communicating properly with the central software. "They installed the system quickly, but apparently not tested enough," says a retired electrician from the town. He has looked at one of the columns himself and found poor seals — water and electronics, not a good combination.

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The town representatives confirm that there are reports, but promise quick relief: technicians should check the sensors and recalibrate the software. Until then, businesspeople request simple solutions: better indications of free parking, a manual override function at the barriers, or at least handwritten notices at the entrances indicating free spaces.

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More than just lost customers

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It's not only about turnover. Boat owners, taxi drivers and older regulars are affected too. Those who carry heavy loads or arrive late don't want to wage another parking dilemma. "My mother doesn't like coming here anymore if she thinks she won't find a space," says the owner of a small guesthouse. This affects the neighborhood: empty tables, less tips, less life on the promenade.

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Some proposals from the community: temporary signs, weekend checks by parking attendants, and the integration of parking data into local apps so visitors can see in real time where there is actually space. This could restore trust — and especially bring back the slowly returning guests.

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What happens next

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The city administration has announced that in the next few days several measurement points will be checked. Once the cause is found, the signs should be adjusted within a few days. Until then: if you go to Port de Sóller and the display still shows 'full', keep driving a bit further — often worth it. And a tip: ask at the cafe in advance if a table is free. Sometimes a short call saves the visit.