Schwerin (dpa/mv) - In Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, the municipalities will from now on determine the amount of fees for resident parking permits themselves. The state government cleared the way for this at its meeting on Tuesday in Schwerin. "With the new state ordinance, the municipalities can set the fees for resident parking permits according to their specifications," explained Economics and Transport Minister Reinhard Meyer (SPD). This also strengthens the decision-making freedom of the municipalities and thus overall municipal self-government.
Until recently, a uniform upper limit for resident parking permits of EUR 30.70 per year applied nationwide. However, the federal government repealed this regulation in 2020 and authorized the federal states to independently regulate the fee rates for urban districts with a significant lack of parking space. Like Baden-Württemberg before it, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is now transferring this task directly to the municipalities. The state ordinance will come into force the day after it is announced in the Law and Ordinance Gazette, Meyer explained.
As the first city in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Schwerin had already announced noticeable fee increases in anticipation of the new regulation. Instead of the previously due 30.70 euros, 120 euros per year are to be charged from 2024. This emerges from the draft budget of the city administration, which the city council is still discussing. The Association of Towns and Municipalities assumes that other municipalities in the state will also use the opportunity to influence stationary traffic and the use of cars by means of higher fees.
The fact that the new state regulation does not contain an upper limit is a mistake. "I see this as a gateway for disproportionate burdens on drivers," said David Wulff, member of the FDP state parliament. Especially in times of high fuel prices, the citizens should not be additionally burdened by the municipalities. Wulff called for a price cap. "No one can be expected to have to pay a multiple in one fell swoop," stressed the opposition politician.
In densely built-up urban areas, residents often complain that commuters and tourists occupy the limited parking spaces. Resident parking permits defuse the conflict because non-owners face fines. However, the passes do not guarantee a parking space in front of the apartment.
