By Hildburg Bruns and Mary-Lou Künzel
The good news is: police officers, firefighters, public order employees, clinic employees from Vivantes and Charité will soon no longer have to feed parking machines before starting work. They park their car for free if they work in the exchange service. The bad news affects all other Berlin drivers…
Parking is becoming more expensive for them for the first time in 18 years. In the now 56 managed zones (see map below), the hour is increased by one euro – depending on the neighborhood from 1/2/3 to 2/3/4 euros.
From when? As soon as possible, probably in the third quarter, according to the traffic management plan.
For years, the Green-led Senate authority has wanted to tighten the fee screw so that more people have a reason to leave their car behind and take the train, bus or bike. So far, the Interior Senate has blocked, wanted an exception for its employees, who often have to work at night. The letters have been going back and forth since November 2019.
Parking machine in Berlin Photo: DAVIDS/Sven Darme
The solution was now worked out by Bettina Jarasch (53, Greens), Senator for Transport, who also convinced her Senate colleague Iris Spranger (60, SPD).
Andreas Dear (54) from Friedrichshain: “If the fees are increased to reduce inner-city car traffic, decent alternatives should first be offered. For example, that public transport is not that expensive” Photo: Ralf Gunther
Employees with a rotating shift allowance (available with regular shift work) are granted the free exception upon application. And as a flat rate, you do not have to provide detailed evidence of the hours worked. Jarasch: “I’m happy for the many people for whom this solution makes everyday life easier.”
Pensioner Elona Vogelsang (68) from Mitte: “I don’t think the increase in parking fees is good at all. And I like the exceptions of individual professional groups even less. And then the resident vignettes should also become even more expensive.” Photo: Ralf Gunther
Interior Senator Spranger has also ensured that police officers who are usually on call at unfavorable times also benefit. Your proof: the hardship allowance paid.
Student Benet G. (21) from Friedrichshain: “As long as it can lead to environmental improvements, I think it’s okay. I prefer to use public transport myself than a car, and if I do, then only with car-sharing vehicles” Photo: Ralf Gunther
The SPD politician says about the new regulation: “Many have to do their job at all times. They are doing this to protect all of us and are now experiencing great relief and recognition of their special deployment times.”
Pensioner Herbert Kulle (71) from Lichtenberg: “An increase is fine, also that the fire brigade and police do not have to pay. I often take the train. So there is no need to search for and pay for a parking space” Photo: Ralf Gunther
The traffic administration is currently developing a discretionary guideline, according to which the districts should proceed. Senator Jarasch is important here: “I hope that employers can submit a list to the responsible district. That would be unbureaucratic for the individual.”
It is possible that the public service free plans will be introduced before the basic price increase.
