The massive elimination of parking spaces in Lausanne is causing concern among real estate professionals. In a column published by the daily 24 heures, Bernard Nicod, founder and CEO of Groupe Bernard Nicod, draws up an alarming assessment of the current situation and its repercussions on the economic dynamism of the Vaud capital.
A drastic reduction in urban parking
Since 2015, Lausanne has removed more than 2,500 parking spaces from its public domain, representing a reduction of more than 10% in surface parking. Bernard Nicod points out that this policy, pursued under the guise of "sustainable mobility", appears particularly aggressive compared to other Swiss cities such as Geneva or Zurich, which favor more balanced and nuanced approaches.
Major economic impacts on local commerce
The head of Groupe Bernard Nicod highlights the disastrous consequences of this policy on Lausanne's commercial fabric. The emblematic example of Rue de Bourg, once an emblematic and dynamic shopping street, illustrates this decline with the multiplication of empty shop windows. The forthcoming closure of the historic Olivier François Ausoni store on Place Saint-François embodies, according to Bernard Nicod, the failure of an urban policy that pushes quality shops to relocate or disappear.
Increased congestion rather than fluidity
Contrary to the announced objectives, the removal of parking spaces generates counter-productive effects. In particular, Bernard Nicod points to:
Increased parasitic traffic linked to the search for spaces
Increased congestion in residential neighborhoods
Negative impact on public transport, particularly in Montétan
Waiting times of up to ten minutes at peak hours
For a more balanced approach to urban mobility
Faced with this observation, Bernard Nicod calls for an urgent review of municipal strategy. He points to the example of Zurich, which combines its policy of reducing motorized traffic (target -30%) with appropriate infrastructures, notably park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts. The real estate developer argues for a more pragmatic approach, capable of meeting the needs of all users: families, senior citizens, shopkeepers and visitors.
The Groupe Bernard Nicod's expertise at the service of a sustainable urban vision
Bolstered by its experience in real estate development and its in-depth knowledge of the Lausanne area, the Groupe Bernard Nicod continues to advocate a balanced vision of urban development. This approach aims to reconcile the imperatives of sustainability with the concrete needs of citizens and economic players.
For Bernard Nicod, the challenge is now to "break the ideological deadlock" to build a truly inclusive and dynamic city. A position that reflects the Group's ongoing commitment to harmonious urban development that respects all users.