This is the second time in a year that the Board is considering the issue. Previously, the proposal was re-submitted for further investigation.

- We want to create better accessibility and rotation in the parking lots. Today, the average time for parking is too high in the center. With higher fees near the city center, we increase sales in the parking lots and make the center accessible to more visitors. The idea is that residents and employees park a little further away from the center, so that visitors and customers who want to do faster errands have the opportunity to park more centrally, says Håkan Björklund (C), chairman of the technology and leisure committee.

More cars in the parking garages

The current parking tariffs in Halmstad are divided into three zones (red, blue and yellow) and so it has been since 2010. In the red zone it costs SEK 12 / hour to park. In blue zone it is SEK 6 / hour and in yellow zone SEK 3 / hour.

The new proposal proposes increases in the hourly rate in all zones. In the red zone it should instead cost SEK 16 / hour, in the blue zone SEK 8 / hour and in the yellow zone SEK 4 / hour.

The parking garage Svartmunken has been open since Christmas week 2018. Photo: SVT

The Technology and Leisure Committee wants to see more cars in the parking garage Svartmunken and Torggaraget. It is proposed that the parking tariff remains unchanged.

No parking disc

All parties are represented on the committee and all agreed on the decision. However, there were some exceptions regarding certain issues. The Christian Democrats have already pushed the issue of introducing the p-disc - something that was not approved by the committee.

The issue will be addressed in the council later this fall and a decision is likely to come in November.

- I hope it happens as quickly as possible so that we can change the signage, says Håkan Björklund (C).

How do you think the reaction will be from the locals if this goes through?

- No matter what changes you make, you get reactions. One can be that people say that you will not want to drive into town. But it can be because it is full on the parking. In the long term, I think this benefits the opportunities to enter the city, ”answers Håkan Björklund (C).