New parking measures in Ixelles The Brussels commune of Ixelles has approved a series of major parking-related measures. While parking policy in Ixelles is managed by parking.brussels, the commune has successfully negotiated specific arrangements to facilitate access to local shops, ease pressure on residents’ purchasing power, support entrepreneurs, and strengthen the economic attractiveness of the entire communal area.
A key measure is the abolition of paid parking after 7 p.m. in certain zones. With these decisions, Ixelles has taken a new step in its policy to support local commerce and the economy. Parking is an important lever for economic vitality, and the rules are therefore being aligned with local reality and the expectations of shopkeepers, self-employed professionals, and visitors.
The first major measure shortens paid parking hours, with paid parking now ending at 7pm instead of 9pm in all red zones across Ixelles. This decision aims to encourage evening visits to shops, cafés, and restaurants by reducing parking costs for customers and visitors.
In addition, the commune increases the number of professional parking cards per shop or business in Ixelles from one to four.
This long-awaited measure is intended to make daily operations easier for self-employed workers, SMEs, and active professions within the commune. Ixelles will also step up communication around visitor parking cards, which are currently still insufficiently known.
These cards allow both residents and non-residents of Ixelles to benefit from 100 parking sessions per year at a preferential rate of €2.50 for 4.5 hours of parking, valid throughout the commune, excluding red zones.
This advantageous system is now fully digital, allowing for quick and easy activation. Furthermore, the commune will improve the visibility of off-street car parks to encourage their use and sustainably reduce on-street parking pressure.
This pragmatic approach benefits traffic flow, quality of life, and commercial activity. Finally, to encourage last-minute shopping and make it easier for residents to welcome visitors, parking will be free across the entire commune —including red zones — on 31 December from 1pm onwards. Gautier Calomne, First Alderman in charge of Economy and Trade, said:
“Residents’ purchasing power has been under pressure for years due to high parking costs. Parking should not be an obstacle to economic life. With these measures, we are sending a clear signal: in Ixelles, we choose common sense, support for local shops and hospitality, and at the same time a pleasant living environment for residents. This was a key commitment in our campaign, and today we are delivering on it.”
Valérie Libert, Alderman for Mobility and Parking, added:
“By adjusting paid parking hours, supporting professionals, and guiding drivers better, we improve the efficiency of parking policy and make public space calmer. This is a balanced and clear policy for everyone.”
