Zdeněk Hřib, the Deputy Mayor for Transport in Prague, has unveiled a comprehensive proposal aimed at reforming paid parking zones in the city, with a potential introduction of entry charges for specific central Prague locations. The proposal is currently under review by city districts, and if approved, it could bring significant changes to parking dynamics in key areas.

The plan envisions implementing entry charges in areas such as Smetana Embankment and the surrounding streets, as well as the Karmelitská area. Deputy Mayor Hřib emphasizes that these measures are designed to alleviate tram delays, a persistent issue in the city.

As outlined in the proposal, a daily charge of 200 crowns would be imposed for entry into the specified central zones. However, exemptions would be granted to residents of Prague 1 and individuals with parking permits in the designated locality. Deliveries with proper permissions would be allowed between 8:00 pm and 10:00 am.

While the proposal addresses entry charges, parking prices themselves have not yet been detailed and are set for future discussions. Deputy Mayor Hřib emphasizes the need to align parking subsidies with public transport costs, highlighting the sustainability of such practices for the city.

An innovative aspect of the proposal introduces a flat-rate permit for parking in mixed purple zones throughout the city, available on a monthly or annual basis. The pricing structure would be tiered based on propulsion, with Euro 6-compliant vehicles subject to a standard fee. Electric and hydrogen vehicles would receive discounts, while hybrids fall somewhere in between.

The short-term visitor parking in purple and orange zones is expected to remain largely unchanged, according to Hřib. However, transferrable parking permits are set to be abolished, with residential parking in blue zones exclusively reserved for residents, property owners, and subscribers. Hřib envisions a streamlined system facilitated by a mobile application, promoting legal and charged parking options while discouraging sidewalk obstruction by delivery vehicles.

Article by Prague Forum