For example, visitor parking via the app will be free after 21:00. The regular rate of the digital visitor scheme will decrease in the shell from €1,45 to €1 per hour and the maximum daily rate from €3,50 to €3. The annual indexation of parking rates will also be waived in 2025. A new type of permit will be introduced for organizations with volunteers and companies and organizations will also be allowed to apply for a digital visitor permit per address. The changes will take effect in 2025.
The board is responding to signals and wishes from society with the adjustments. “There was a lot of criticism about the visitor regulations in particular,” says Alderman for Parking Bart Heller. “So we looked at that first. At the general rate, which we are reducing considerably, and at evening visits, which will be free after 21:00 PM.” The policy adjustments are also the result of many discussions with residents, companies and organizations. Heller: “Take a volunteer permit, there is a very clear need for that, so we are introducing that. And the emergency services permit is perceived as expensive, so we are halving those costs, from €400 to €200 per year.”
The introduction of the new parking policy as of January 2024 and the expansion of paid parking areas as of July 1, do not show any unexpected effects that would give the board cause for major policy changes, in addition to the adjustments mentioned. In a number of special situations, customization has been applied, including an institution with many part-time employees and a unique informal care situation. For unique situations where unintended effects occur, customization will continue to be applied where necessary.
The board writes this in a concise progress report to the municipal council. When the new parking policy was introduced, it was agreed to monitor the progress and effects of the implementation. In financial terms, the annual income appears to be approximately €700.000 higher than budgeted, the board reports. With the proposed rate reductions, the board expects to largely prevent this unforeseen surplus.
