Illegal Parking Racket Grips Marrakech Ahead of Major Events

These individuals, often with criminal records, appropriate the parking lots and impose exorbitant rates, especially as Morocco is preparing to host major international events such as the Africa Cup or the World Cup.

Not content with seizing public parking lots, these mafia groups are extending their grip to private parking lots, denounces Rue20. Companies, although holding licenses issued by the Marrakech municipal council for the operation of parking lots, subcontract the collection of payments to these individuals. These parking lots, initially intended for cars, also accommodate motorcycles and bicycles, in violation of the terms of the license.

The illegal occupation of sidewalks by cars has become commonplace on the streets of Marrakech, forcing pedestrians to make their way on the road, at the risk of their lives. Children and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to the excessive speed of vehicles and the frequency of accidents. This chaotic situation endangers the safety of citizens and disrupts the fluidity of traffic, it is further complained.