Parking in Mainz: Price increase now decided!

Parking in Mainz: Price increase now decided!

From July 2025, parking for residents in Mainz will be more expensive. The city administration has decided to increase the fees for residents parking cards in order to increase the income. This is done based on the model of the neighboring town of Koblenz, which was introduced last year. Traffic director Janina Steinkrüger explains that the additional revenue should be invested in climate protection measures and public transport. The current price for a parking permit with a validity of two years is currently 60 euros, but is being shortened to one year.

The new basic amount for the parking permit will be 31.20 euros. This amount is multiplied by the length and width of the vehicle in meters. The minimum fee for the new parking permit is 130 euros for the smallest vehicle, while the maximum price for larger SUVs can reach up to 267 euros. In Mainz there are currently over 14,200 residents' parking cards for which around 8,900 parking spaces are available. The new fees should reflect the actual parking costs and ensure a fair structure.

regulations in Koblenz as a model

In Koblenz, the fees for residents parking cards will be recalculated from March 1, 2024. The city administration has made use of the possibility of issuing its own legal regulations in accordance with a state regulation. This regulation enables the municipalities to calculate the fees according to the road surface used. The new basic annual amount is 23.40 euros, which is also multiplied by vehicle size.

As in Mainz, corresponding fees in Koblenz can depend on the vehicle size. The minimum fee for a parking permit is 100 euros. An example of the new fees in Koblenz shows: For a Smart Fortwo, a fee of 104.87 euros is due annually, while a VW Golf 7 with EUR 179.12 and a VW Tiguan with 196.23 euros is important. It is also important to note that extensions such as spoilers or bicycle racks are not taken into account when calculating the fees.

legal framework and urban influences

The changes in Mainz and Koblenz also reflect legal regulations that give municipalities more sovereignty about the fees for residents parking cards. According to the new STVO, the parking of residents can also be made: inside without a proven lack of parking space, which can be based on urban planning concepts. The federal states have the authority to set the amount of the fees themselves and to stagger them according to the size of the vehicle.

Another aspect that influences the fee structure is the decision of the Federal Administrative Court from June 2023, which excluded social considerations. This means that the fees cannot be calculated according to the financial situation of the residents. Therefore, a differentiation of fees according to income will also require a legal basis.

Overall, the new regulations in Mainz, supported by the Koblenz example, show a clear tendency towards a cost -adapted and fair design of residents' parking, which is intended to support both the preservation of the urban infrastructure and environmentally friendly measures. The interaction between the legal framework, urban concepts and practical fee adjustments will play an important role for the residents of the cities in the coming years.