The ongoing plight of visitors, tourists, and residents in Marrakech is deeply intertwined with the overwhelming influence of the controversial parking lobby, often referred to as the 'Yellow Lobby.' The streets and alleys surrounding the historic Jemaa el-Fnaa square have transformed into an open battleground for the imposition of illegal fees and practices that blatantly disregard the established regulations governing public spaces. Despite the presence of official signage indicating parking rates of two dirhams during the day and four dirhams at night, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Drivers often find themselves coerced into paying amounts that can reach up to 30 dirhams, especially outside the peak summer months.
Even more concerning is the manipulation of sidewalks and prohibited areas, which have been commandeered for paid parking by sheer force of circumstance. When drivers question the legality of parking in areas marked with 'No Parking' signs, they are met with dismissive reassurances from the self-appointed 'guards' who claim, 'This is our spot' and 'No one will talk back to you.' Such harassment raises significant legal questions regarding accountability in the event of accidents, theft of vehicle contents, or other illicit uses of the cars when their owners are not present.
It is worth noting that in 2025, several members of the Marrakech municipal council sent a letter to the council president, Fatima Zahra Mansouri, advocating for the implementation of free parking for cars and bicycles throughout the city. This call for action highlights the growing frustration among citizens regarding the current parking situation, as well as the ongoing struggle against the monopolistic practices of the Yellow Lobby, which continues to dominate parking spaces in Marrakech.
As reported by ar.telquel.ma.
