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Voting to be held again on parking meters by FWG.
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Want to sign up for free?The FWG, in alliance with the Greens and SPD, had proposed to abolish all parking machines accepting cash payments. However, they're now considering a compromise: Procuring new machines that accept EC cards instead of cash. An option for cash users would still be available through the sale of pre-paid tickets, a proposal that initially failed in committee discussions. Here's a contribution from FWG, Bergisch Gladbach
The FWG believes strongly in offering citizens the flexibility to use their preferred payment method when purchasing a parking ticket.
In our own circles
Come the next meeting of the Infrastructure, Environment, Safety and Order committee, FWG will advocate for the purchase of new machines, equipped for secure and effortless contactless payment via EC or credit card, by January 1, 2026. Doing so would minimize the exclusion of cash users on-site.
Diving deeper
Apart from contactless payment and cash options, mobile parking (since 2016) and cash payments will continue to be feasible. Resuming the city administration's draft resolution from the previous committee meeting is on the cards.
The FWG, however, envisions a future in digital payment methods. Mobile parking provides customer-friendly, minute-precise billing and the ability to extend parking periods if needed. It eliminates vandalism and cash machine manipulation, and by forgoing cash collection, benefits the city treasury with savings of at least €100,000 annually. Maintenance costs are expected to decrease too. The purchase of new machines is projected to cover the cost after three years.
The FWG appreciates the public debate and is happy to address the need for diverse payment options.
Apart from on-site contactless card payments, cash payment would still be accessible through the sale of pre-paid tickets, available at various locations.
This move could attract customers to local retail outlets by having parking fees credited towards purchases. Here, the city administration should initiate talks with local retail organizations for a win-win situation.
- In the proposed compromise, the FWG, in union with the Greens and SPD, are considering a change in parking machine policy-and-legislation, opting for machines that accept EC cards instead of cash.
- The FWG's policy-and-legislation aims to promote the use of digital payment methods, such as EC and credit cards, while still providing an option for cash users through the sale of pre-paid tickets in general-news.
