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Voting to be held again on parking meters by FWG
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In a surprising turn of events, the Free Voters' Fraction (FWG) has backed down on their initial plan to eliminate parking meters and cash payments. Now they're proposing a compromise: new machines will be purchased that refuse cash but can be operated with an EC card. Those stubbornly clinging to cash can buy special "tickets" instead. This proposal has already been shot down in committee. Here's an op-ed by the FWG Bergisch Gladbach
The FWG is bent on giving folks freedom of choice when it comes to paying for a parking ticket. So, anticipate their fight for captivating parking ticket machines that support seamless contactless payments via EC card or credit card, come January 1, 2026. This move should make it rare for anyone to be left stranded, cashless in front of a parking meter.
Deeper Dive
Beyond this proposal, mobile parking (already available in Bergisch Gladbach since 2016) and cash payments will carry on. The move here echoes the city administration's proposal from the previous committee meeting.
Yet, the FWG views the future as digital gold. Mobile parking offers customer-friendly, precise billing and flexibility to extend parking times, all at your fingertips. It'll also ward off vandalism and cash machine manipulation. The city treasury stands to save an estimated 100,000 € annually, thanks to the elimination of cash collection, and not to mention, the reduced maintenance costs of the new machines. The initial investment in new machines should pay off in just three years.
The FWG is thrilled for the spirited conversation that's been sparked.
In addition to the on-site EC card payment, rest assured that good ol' cash will still be an option. Tickets will be available for purchase at various locations, potentially making city jaunts more enticing when pairing with local retail rewards. The city administration should kick off discussions with local retail organizations to make this happen.
The FWG's proposal for new parking machines that only accept EC cards has faced rejection in committee, indicating turbulence in the field of politics. general-news The FWG is determined to provide choices for parking ticket payments, aiming to introduce digital solutions like contactless EC and credit card payments by January 1, 2026, while also maintaining the option of cash payments, potentially enhancing general-news the appeal of city tours by offering local retail rewards for ticket purchase.
