The German Association of Cities has spoken out in favor of higher prices for resident parking.

Chief Executive Helmut Dedy told the German Press Agency on Monday: “In many places, the resident parking permit still costs a maximum of 30.70 euros a year.

Because not all federal states have implemented the new legal situation of the Road Traffic Act, which gives the cities more decision-making leeway.” That is why not all cities that wanted it could raise the prices.

“The relevant state governments are asked to pave the way quickly.

Cities can then increase resident parking to more than 300 euros a year.

That's overdue."

The German Environmental Aid had previously asked the federal states and local authorities to significantly increase the cost of resident parking permits.

"Cars that are getting bigger and more registrations every year overwhelm urban traffic," said Dedy.

“Traffic jams, exhaust fumes and noise reduce the quality of life in cities.

The space in cities for cars cannot grow with it.

Urban space is far too valuable to just be a parking lot or a street.” In the case of resident parking, the administrative effort and signage could hardly have been counter-financed by parking permits.

Parking permits can be differentiated according to vehicle size

According to Dedy, the amount of the fee depends on the location, the value of the land and the political decisions.

"Either way, the price is far below the fees in neighboring European countries." Differentiation according to vehicle size is also possible.

"At the same time, we need a leap in capacity and quality in local public transport to convince even more people to switch from cars to buses and trains."

The German Association of Towns and Municipalities was more skeptical.

The demand from environmental aid to make parking for residents in general significantly more expensive is understandable - but goes beyond the goal.

“It is true that a certain steering effect can take place in this way.

However, it should be examined whether this can be supported in other ways than with such a drastic increase in resident parking fees.”

In principle, each city must assess individually on site to what extent resident parking is possible.

“It is clear that as part of the traffic turnaround, individual mobility must remain possible.

Because families in particular often need their own vehicle in order to be able to organize themselves.

So do workers who work outside of the city, where public transport is often poorly developed.”