Rotterdam will hand out fines for illegal parking via scanning cars

Less work for enforcers

The trial of scan cars that track sidewalk parkers should take work off the hands of enforcers in Rotterdam, reports Rijnmond. Now, boas must make on-the-spot checks, issue fines and handle paperwork. With the scan car, that happens largely automatically. The system sends a picture of the situation to an employee, who assesses whether there is a violation. A fine is then issued immediately.

Especially problem on market days

A major reason is the nuisance around Afrikaanderplein, especially on market days. There is regular parking on the sidewalks, leaving hardly any space for pedestrians. With the trial, the municipality wants to see if technology helps to reduce this.

The trial will start in five neighborhoods: Spangen, the Oude Westen, the Tarwewijk, the Stadsdriehoek and the area around the Afrikaandermarkt. In the first month, wrong-way parkers will receive a warning. This is followed by a fine of 120 euros, plus 9 euros in administrative costs.

More fines expected

Some 580,000 parking fines were issued in Rotterdam in 2024. Delfshaven topped the list with nearly 50,000 fines, followed by Charlois and Feyenoord. The number of fines is expected to increase further if the scan cars are used more often and identify more types of violations. The municipality is conducting an information campaign prior to the trial. The aim is to inform residents and make them aware of the rules.

Continued depending on success

According to the alderman, the use of technology not only yields more fines, but also more street space for pedestrians. And it allows enforcers to focus on other tasks. If the trial goes well, the alderman plans to deploy the system citywide. That would permanently retrofit all 12 scanning cars. The trial will run through March 30, 2026. An evaluation will follow after that.

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