Drivers looking to secure a blue parking permit in Zurich are set to pay more, under new plans announced by the local council. In future, the cost of the pass will vary based on the weight of the car, meaning some motorists will see their parking fees triple.

Parking charges in Zurich to be based on weight 

In a statement, the municipal council announced new plans to modify the cost of parking permits in Zurich. The changes will apply to those who wish to park in the designated blue parking spaces dotted across the city.

At the moment, all private individuals who want to park their cars in blue spaces must pay a fee of 300 francs a year. Under the changes, each car will be charged differently based on its weight without passengers. Petrol and diesel cars will be charged 40 rappen (cents) per kilo per year, while electric cars will be charged 35 rappen.

Blue zone parking fees in Zurich to rise dramatically

The proposed change hides a major price hike for the majority of vehicles, with the owner of a Dacia Sandero hatchback having to pay 540 francs a year for blue zone parking in Zurich. This rises all the way to owners of Mercedes GLCs and other large SUVs, who would pay more than 900 francs per year for blue parking spaces. 

Largely thanks to the weight of their batteries, electric car owners will also be charged more despite paying a lower overall rate - owners of Tesla Model Ys would pay just over 700 francs a year. What’s more, a blue parking permit will only be issued to those who do not have a private parking space somewhere in the city of Zurich.

There will also be changes for entrepreneurs, with the cost of Blue Zone business parking permits set to be cut from 480 to 360 francs a year. Van drivers can also pay for a special pass to allow them to park on pavements and in no-vehicle zones, which is set to cost 1.200 francs a year for Zurich businesses and 1.800 francs for firms from outside the city.

Higher fees will encourage eco-friendly vehicles, Greens argue

The move to hike parking charges has been welcomed by the Green Party in Zurich. They noted in a statement that voters have regularly passed plans for more green spaces and cycle paths, so the new regulations reflect the “right impulses at the right time.” 

They added that the move means “owners can influence their own fees when purchasing a vehicle” as if they buy a smaller and more environmentally friendly car, they will pay less. However, they rejected the idea of giving van drivers the option to park on pavements.

SVP argues higher parking fees are hypocritical and harmful

By contrast, the Swiss People’s Party has already announced that they are considering a referendum against the plans. "When rents, health insurance premiums or heating costs increase, the left-greens cry out for relief. When it comes to cars, the social conscience stops," local councillor Stephan Iten told 20 Minuten.

Iten added that the regulation may hurt the transition away from diesel and petrol cars, as the electric batteries in EVs often mean they are much heavier than regular vehicles. Therefore, the SVP called for the plans to be rejected when they will face their final vote on October 30.

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