New Parking Concept Overhaul and CDU's Perspective Revealed
In the city of Neuss, several changes are coming to the parking system starting July 1, 2023. Here's a breakdown of the new parking concept and what it means for residents and visitors.
The billing rate in parking garages has been changed from 2 euros per hour to 25 cents per six minutes. This new rate will not change in the coming years. However, it's important to note that the existing machines in the parking garages do not accept 5-cent coins, and the conversion and reprogramming of the machines will take place during the summer holidays.
Resident parking permits will now cost 10 euros per month starting from July 1, 2024, increasing to 20 euros in 2026 and 30 euros in 2026, equating to 360 euros per year starting from 2026. The SPD chairman, Sascha Karbowiak, stated that holders of the 'Neuss Pass' will receive a 25% reduction in the cost of a resident parking permit.
Payment will be required daily between 7 am and 7 pm for parking tickets. For those parking on the street, the parking ticket machine now requires 1.50 euros per half hour (previously 10 cents for 3 minutes). A fee increase for parking tickets is planned: to 1.80 euros in 2024 and 2 euros in 2026 per half hour.
The designation of resident parking spaces will require new signage and will be implemented gradually. Residents with a parking permit will have access to all parking ticket parking spaces, except for loading zones, disabled parking spaces, and spaces promoting e-mobility.
To accommodate for the loss of parking spaces due to redesign, the Kaufhof parking garage will have resident parking spaces. Additionally, neighborhood garages will be set up in underutilized parking garages, costing 50 euros per month for a parking space.
One measure being implemented is the free use of the tram between the town hall and the station, to be implemented from the timetable change in December. The additional income from the new parking fee concept will be invested in projects to strengthen bus, train, and bike traffic.
The CDU party in Neuss has criticized the fee increase for resident parking, calling it a "massive increase," a "rip-off," and a third rent for people. The CDU emphasizes the importance of citizen participation and criticizes the SPD for pushing this decision through without involving citizens and the city center district committee. The CDU does not want to accept the council's decision on the increase in fees and has collected around 1,000 signatures against it.
Despite these criticisms, the new parking concept has been decided upon by the CDU party in Neuss. Only after the summer holidays will the new rate have to be paid in the municipal parking garages. It's recommended that residents and visitors familiarize themselves with the new parking rates and regulations to avoid any fines.
