Biznes Fakty
Parking Fee Increases in Szczecin and Poznań. Spa Cities Await President's Signature
Starting at 8 zlotys, the parking fees in Szczecin’s city center are set to rise. This trend of increasing parking charges is also being observed in other urban areas. The issue was addressed by Łukasz Wieczorek, a reporter for the „Polska i Świat” program.
The most significant hike affects the area between Tkacka, Panieńska, and Króla Mściwoja II streets, where a paid parking zone in the downtown area has been established.
Clearly, it’s not affordable. The initial hour of parking is 8 PLN, while the subsequent hour costs even more. The third hour is priced at 11 PLN and 40 groszy.
Downtown Paid Parking Zone in Szczecin TVN24– Our goal is to create a space for turnover, rather than a location for all-day parking. We want to motivate both locals and tourists to explore the Old Town on foot, rather than by vehicle – stated Mateusz Gieryga, a councilor representing Szczecin (KO).
Motorists are required to pay for parking from sunrise to sunset every day, with the exception of three specific days: May 2, December 24, and December 31.
Parking Dispute in Szczecin. „Expensive, More Expensive, PO”
– When the Civic Platform assumes control, the terminology for describing costs suddenly shifts; particularly the term expensive. Typically, one would articulate it as expensive, more expensive, and most expensive, but now it’s expressed as expensive, more expensive, Civic Platform – remarked Zbigniew Bogucki, a PiS MP.
Only councilors from PiS opposed the fee hikes.
– No one compels me to park here. I do so voluntarily, and as a result, I must accept certain implications, including paying higher fees, shared Mr. Janusz, a driver from Szczecin.
Meanwhile, councilor Gieryga from KO highlighted the challenges faced by residents of Szczecin’s Old Town. – Unfortunately, visitors to restaurants or those exploring the Old Town often park right in front of their homes. [Residents] struggle to find parking spaces even during the evening hours – he noted.
Finding a parking spot can be challenging in Szczecin TVN24Parking Increases in Poznań
The charges for drivers in Poznań’s city center will also be significantly altered. After the holiday season, the cost for the first hour in the heart of the city will rise to PLN 9.50. This will establish the highest parking fee in the nation. Those who pay local taxes will benefit from a reduced rate of PLN 7.50 for the first hour.
– Following previous hikes in the paid parking zone, the turnover of vehicles in the downtown area has notably increased, yet in certain locations, it is beginning to plateau. We believe that with this [upcoming] increase, we can maintain that turnover. That is our primary concern – commented Przemysław Plewiński, a Poznań councilor from Poland 2050.
– Prior to the earlier increases, it was more economical to avoid paying for parking, as the fines were lower than the cost of a full day of parking – Plewiński observed.
Parking Fees Set to Rise in Various Areas
There may also be changes for smaller towns and health resorts. The Sejm has approved charging drivers on both Saturdays and Sundays as well. Numerous cities and towns that attract tourists, especially on weekends, currently offer free parking, but often lack available spaces.
– We believe this matter merits discussion and consideration – stated Katarzyna Tusińska, the deputy mayor of Konstancin-Jeziorna.
We inquired with several spa towns about their intentions to implement the new regulations and introduce fees. Some are contemplating it, while others are simply awaiting the president’s signature. Rabka-Zdrój plans to initiate fees on weekends, Nałęczów aims to establish a paid parking zone in the city center, and Świeradów-Zdrój intends to implement a paid parking zone along with weekend charges. Local government representatives have already sent a request to the president to approve the legislation. They are convinced that parking should remain above political issues.
