Between Informal Parking Attendants and Darkness Around the ADDA

Residents of the Campoamor neighbourhood express a sense of insecurity, particularly around the promenade encircling the ADDA. The residents complain about this perception caused by the beggars who illicitly control and manage the parking adjacent to the García Solera building, compounded by the lack of lighting at night.

This parking lot remains open to the general public for most of the year - from approximately 10 PM to 5 PM - except on days when the venue hosts events, conferences, and other daytime activities, reserving the parking for longer hours.

It is during these days that the informal parking attendants proliferate within this parking lot in the heart of the Alicante neighbourhood of Campoamor. Once a vehicle enters the main access, it encounters these individuals pointing out vacant spaces for parking.

The presence of these beggars is a constant complaint among the neighbourhood's residents and other Alicante locals who park around the ADDA. These individuals seek out drivers hoping for a tip - obligatory and pressured, of course - in exchange for parking assistance.

When avoiding the first, another informal attendant emerges from the already parked cars, pointing to another available space. This continues until the driver either gives in or manages to park on their own. Some even choose to leave the parking lot.

The Campoamor - Plaza de América Neighbourhood Association has received numerous complaints from residents regarding this issue. "People complain about parking because it is not safe," says its president, José Antonio Marco. To address the situation, he calls for security cameras focused on the area and increased police presence.

In this regard, the neighbourhood leader appreciates the work of the officers, as "if you call them, they come." However, he misses the patrols through the streets that make up the district served by his entity; for example, on Jijona Avenue, where the ADDA parking lot with informal attendants is located, as well as on Conde Lumiares with vehicles parked in double rows or in areas with broken lines. "More police presence is needed, they should be visible and not just pass by on motorcycles."

Lighting around the ADDA is another issue highlighted by this neighbourhood entity from the Campoamor- Plaza de América, they point out. "Once you're at the main entrance (of the auditorium), everything is lit," acknowledges its president while lamenting that "going down that avenue, there are some very nice streetlights, but they cast shadows."

Thus, having more lighting is another of their demands: "Some people want more light because despite the streetlights, the promenade is dark, and at night it looks very lonely." This also affects the ADDA parking lot, which "is very large and you can hide," referring to potential criminal acts.

Regarding these issues, this Campoamor- Plaza de América, resident who also denounces the "neglect" of San Juan de Dios Square, reflects: "People from outside come to a convention, and the surroundings of the auditorium must be well-lit and in good condition to make a good impression."