ADAC: Rationalize parking lot debate, stagger fees based on size, encourage parking on private property

On March 1, 2024, resident parking in Koblenz will become more expensive. Instead of a flat rate of 30.70 euros, the amount of the fees will now also depend on the vehicle's space consumption: A base annual amount of 23.40 euros will be multiplied by the length and width according to the vehicle registration certificate, so that consumers with vehicles that take up more street space will incur higher fees. Specifically, a small Smart4Two will cost about 100 euros, a VW-Golf 180 euros, and a BMW X7 240 euros.

Public attention is being drawn to the discussion about higher parking fees also due to the announcement by the city of Paris to significantly increase costs for visitors with heavy vehicles. Unlike in Koblenz, the issue in the French capital concerns visitor parking fees. Visitor and resident parking are often mixed up in the current debate. According to the ADAC, fees for visitor parking are already high and there is no urgent need for action, especially since vehicles are typically parked for a shorter duration. For resident parking, a tiered system is conceivable, especially since it concerns an entire year. Differentiation by space makes more sense than by weight, as this alone says little about the space utilized. It is understandable and explainable that the use of more space incurs higher costs.

"Fundamentally, the issue of parking is susceptible to populism. This is demonstrated, for example, by the narrowing of the debate to SUVs. This is not very appropriate, as these vehicles also come in the size of a Golf. A more objective discussion is therefore urgently needed from the ADAC's point of view," explains the automobile club.

Conceptually, the aim must be to better manage the use of street space and equally consider the different needs of residents, visitors, and the local economy. Additionally, the overarching goal is to improve the quality of life in our cities. Against this backdrop, it is evident that there is no universal solution, and the specific problems of individual municipalities must be taken into account. Parking can only be a small part of the solution. The ADAC warns against misusing parking as a symbolic issue and ignoring legitimate concerns, such as those of people living in city centers.

"It will be crucial to become more creative than merely increasing parking fees. Instead, it is about providing alternative parking and mobility options for residents, visitors, and commuters, such as neighborhood garages, user-friendly parking garages, P+R and B+R facilities on the outskirts, and good public transport connections to the city center," demands the club.