65 Fines Issued for Sidewalk Parking Outside Andorra Hospital

The Comú d'Escaldes-Engordany issued 65 fines and 36 warnings for parking on the sidewalk along Carrer dels Escalls, directly in front of Nostra Senyora de Meritxell Hospital, over December and January.

Local authorities emphasised that not all vehicles parked in the area face penalties. Ambulances and taxis providing a coordinated transport service between Andorra and Spain for dialysis patients are explicitly authorised to stop there. This arrangement, agreed with the hospital, accommodates the service's fixed pricing, which excludes costs for Andorran parking facilities. Authorities noted that ambulances' size prevents access to the underground car park, making the sidewalk a practical alternative for these essential drop-offs.

Loading and unloading vehicles, such as those delivering food to the hospital or its catering services, may also use the spot briefly. They are permitted for up to 20 minutes, but only after prior notification to the Comú. Failure to notify results in a warning, while exceeding the time limit triggers a fine.

Private vehicles, however, receive no leniency. Officers immediately call for a tow truck upon detection, followed by the fines already tallied.

The measures aim to balance hospital operations with traffic flow in the busy area, ensuring priority access for medical and service needs while enforcing rules against unauthorised parking.