150 shekels for beach parking: Rishon LeZion plans to restrict access for non-residents

Deputy Mayor of Rishon LeZion, Idan Mizrahi, has submitted a proposal to the city council, set to convene in early September, aimed at restricting access to the city's beaches for residents of other municipalities during busy weekends. The measure would charge non-residents 150 shekels per day for parking on Fridays and Saturdays.

The rationale behind the proposal is to reserve the beach for city residents, as Rishon LeZion’s narrow coastline cannot accommodate the tens of thousands of visitors who arrive on weekends. Currently, the municipality frequently issues notices by 11:00 AM on Saturdays advising against driving to the beach due to parking lots reaching full capacity.

The proposal is expected to gain significant support within the city council, as Mizrahi is a key member of Mayor Raz Kinstlich’s faction.

"My proposal aims to return the beach to the residents of Rishon LeZion. I believe in a simple principle: 'Your own city's poor come first.' When it comes to a limited municipal resource like the beach, Rishon LeZion residents should have a clear priority," explained Mizrahi.

Under the plan, Rishon LeZion residents would continue to enjoy free parking. Mizrahi stated he is working closely with Mayor Kinstlich to ensure the proposal is approved, aiming to reduce traffic congestion and enhance the beach experience for locals.

Environmental organizations may challenge the initiative, arguing that the beach is a public resource and that the proposed fee is an exclusionary measure designed to keep citizens away from the sea based on their place of residence. Furthermore, critics note that since public transport is unavailable on Saturdays, the private car is the only viable way to reach the coast, making such a high parking fee economically prohibitive.