The Green Party faction in the Berlin House of Representatives has called on Governing Mayor Kai Wegner (CDU) to raise resident parking fees before the end of this year. Antje Kapek, the party’s transport policy spokesperson, stated on Wednesday that the city is incurring monthly losses from resident parking, which currently costs only 80 cents per month.
Greens Criticize Current Fees as Insufficient
Kapek criticized the current fee, highlighting that it is not even enough to purchase a single bus ticket. This, she argued, underscores the inadequacy of the current pricing structure.
Mayor’s Promise and Call for Immediate Action
The Governing Mayor had reportedly promised an increase by the end of the year. Kapek asserted that there is no need to await an agreement between the CDU and SPD, as the adjustment can be decided by the Senate through the parking fee ordinance.
“If Kai Wegner were serious about higher resident parking fees, he could simply decide it next Tuesday in the Senate,” Kapek stated. She emphasized that such a decision would take only three minutes and would not require a new law or a parliamentary resolution. Kapek urged Wegner: “Just do it, Kai!”
Financial Implications and Party Stance
The current low fees are causing ongoing financial deficits for the city. The Greens argue that a swift increase is necessary to address these losses and align parking fees with the actual costs and value of urban space.
No Need for Coalition Agreement
The Green Party’s insistence on immediate action bypasses the need for a broader coalition agreement, suggesting that the mechanism for increasing fees is already in place and merely requires political will from the Mayor’s office.
Broader Context of Urban Mobility
This demand is part of a larger discussion in Berlin regarding urban mobility, sustainable transport, and the fair use of public space. Increasing parking fees is often seen as a tool to encourage alternative modes of transport and generate revenue for public services.
Future Outlook for Parking Policy
The ball is now in Mayor Wegner’s court, as the Greens have clearly laid out a path for him to implement the fee hike without delay. The outcome of this demand will likely influence future urban planning and financial decisions in Berlin.
Source: https://www.city-news.de/gruene-fordern-schnelle-anhebung-der-anwohnerparkgebuehren-in-berlin/229645/
