A third of contractors prefer to avoid working in cities, according to a survey conducted by Bouwunie, an organisation lobbying for self-employed workers and SMEs in construction in Flanders.
According to Bouwunie, the reluctance is driven by the presence of Low Emission Zones (LEZ), traffic circulation plans, congestion, car-free zones, and expensive parking, prompting contractors to seek clients elsewhere, the organisation stated on Sunday.
Major issues include trouble parking within city limits, leading to an increased risk of fines, while collaboration with city authorities and local districts can prove challenging.
Four in ten construction entrepreneurs describe the process of obtaining permits, subsidies, or payments from both cities and municipalities as being subpar. Nearly half are unsure of the appropriate contact for inquiries within their local district.
Seizing on these findings, Bouwunie has called for more relaxed parking policies ahead of the municipal elections in October. They propose the introduction of intervention cards and temporary site cards.
These intervention cards would allow essential services, including central heating installers, electricians, or roofing contractors, to park for an entire day. The temporary site card would then entitle a construction company to park their vehicle for a specified period in city and town centres where parking fees apply.
Bouwunie also advocates for quicker and smoother delivery of permits, more consistent rules across municipal borders, a single point of contact per municipality, and no additional taxes or administrative fines.
