Utrecht abolishes free parking on holidays, ‘not inclusive’

Free parking Utrecht

Anyone who parks their car in Utrecht next Christmas, Good Friday, Easter, Ascension Day and Pentecost will risk a fine or wheel clamp if they forget to pay parking fees. Indeed, a tabled motion by GroenLinks, Partij voor de Dieren, Student & Starter and D66 to abolish free parking on public holidays passed in the City of Dom.

Why?

The groups filed the motion in November 2021 alleging that the city’s parking policies are not inclusive. On Christian holidays, motorists may park freely, but not on holidays of other religions. Unfair, according to the groups. Since it is impossible to allow free parking on every religious holiday, the parties suggested that free parking should then be eliminated on all holidays.

‘Regular day’

The college passed the motion and as of Jan. 1, 2023, every holiday will be considered a “regular day” as far as parking is concerned. For this new measure, Utrecht must first draw its own purse strings. The city should adjust all parking meters and should inform residents around all (Christian) holidays of the change in parking policy

First city in the Netherlands

It is yet another blow to visitors and residents of Utrecht with cars. Not only have rates for both short-term parking and permits gone up extra, in November the city also announced that it will be the first in the Netherlands to introduce paid parking throughout the city. Starting in 2024, parking meters will be installed on every street. Not only in the city center, but also in neighborhoods such as Vleuten-De Meern, Zuilen, Overvecht and Leidsche Rijn, where there are little or no parking problems.

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