Stuttgart, Hamburg and Düsseldorf: Germany's cities earn the most money with parked vehicles

Von NAG Redaktion

Parkende Fahrzeuge sind für deutsche Städte eine lohnende Einnahmequelle. Laut einer Umfrage in allen Bundesländern verdienten Stuttgart, Hamburg und Düsseldorf im vergangenen Jahr am meisten Geld durch Parkgebühren und Bußgelder. Pro Einwohner betrugen die Einnahmen in diesen Städten etwa 40 Euro, während es in Erfurt, Hannover, Saarbrücken, Mainz und Bremen weniger als 20 Euro waren. In absoluten Zahlen erzielte Berlin mit 114 Millionen Euro die höchsten Einnahmen aus dem Parken. Dahinter folgten Hamburg mit 75 Millionen Euro und München mit 53 Millionen Euro. Diese Zahlen umfassen Einnahmen aus Parkautomaten, Gebühren für Anwohnerparkausweise und Bußgelder von Falschparkern. Von den insgesamt 355 …
Parking vehicles are a worthwhile source of income for German cities. According to a survey in all federal states, Stuttgart, Hamburg and Düsseldorf earned the most money last year through parking fees and fines. The income in these cities was around 40 euros per inhabitant, while it was less than 20 euros in Erfurt, Hanover, Saarbrücken, Mainz and Bremen. In absolute figures, Berlin achieved the highest income from parking with 114 million euros. Behind it followed Hamburg with 75 million euros and Munich with 53 million euros. These figures include income from parking machines, fees for residents' parking cards and fines from false parks. Of the total of 355 ... (Symbolbild/MB)

Vehicles parked are a worthwhile source of income for German cities. According to a survey in all federal states, Stuttgart, Hamburg and Düsseldorf earned the most money last year through parking fees and fines. The income in these cities was around 40 euros per inhabitant, while it was less than 20 euros in Erfurt, Hanover, Saarbrücken, Mainz and Bremen.

In absolute figures, Berlin achieved the highest income from parking with 114 million euros. Behind it followed Hamburg with 75 million euros and Munich with 53 million euros. These figures include income from parking machines, fees for residents' parking cards and fines from false parks. Of the total of 355 million euros in income of all state capitals, 48 ​​percent of parking fees, 45 percent on fines and seven percent were available to resident parking cards.

In the coming years, many cities expect increasing income. "Public space is becoming increasingly scarce," said the city of Stuttgart. Therefore, the parking fees in the city center are to be increased by a further 20 percent in early 2024. Instead of 4.60 euros, drivers should then pay 5.60 euros. The fees are basically based on the tariffs of local public transport.

A competition for the limited areas next to the streets has flared up, especially in the metropolises. Transport companies want more lanes for traffic instead of parking spaces, cyclists demand safe cycle paths, restaurateurs need space for outdoor catering and charging zones are needed. At the same time, the number of cars in Germany does not decrease. According to the Federal Motor Transport Authority, 48.8 million cars were already registered in early 2023, while 43.4 million were still in early 2013. This corresponds to an annual increase of about half a million cars.

Parking for electric vehicles in Mainz has so far been free of charge, and according to the report, this should remain so for at least a year. In the future, however, everyone should pay more for parking in the city. The cost of setting up and monitoring the parking space should be borne less by the general public and financed more by the users.

The city of Munich also expresses similar plans. The public space for parking private vehicles is "under value". Cars are on average 23 hours a day and show valuable space that could be used for any other.

Deutsche Environmental Aid sees urgent need for action and demands appropriate fees for parking in public space. In London, parking on the roadside costs up to ten euros, up to 7.50 euros in Amsterdam and Oslo. In Germany, only two of 104 examined cities, namely Heidelberg and Osnabrück, consistently charge parking fees of at least three euros per hour. For Stuttgart, this applies at least in the city center. In 73 cities, on the other hand, it is still possible to park your car for one euro or less. The environmental aid calls for a comprehensive parking management with reasonable fees to win back space for people.