Significant changes to parking regulations are being prepared in the Riga City Council: it is planned to increase the fees for long-term parking of vehicles, while short-term parking may become free, according to information available to the LETA agency.
The coalition of the Riga City Council is currently discussing the prepared plan for changes and making adjustments to it, so the parking conditions may still change.
The enterprise "Rīgas satiksme" manages 6,850 parking spaces in Riga, which are divided into payment zones — A, B, C, D, R, and V.
The largest number of parking spaces is located in zones B and C. Zone A covers the city center, while zones B and C are located further away. Zone R is in Old Riga, and zone V is in Vecaki.
It is proposed to increase the cost of roadside parking by 20–30%. This is explained by the high occupancy of parking spaces: on average, it is about 80%, and in the center and during peak hours, it reaches 96%. As a result, drivers often have to circle for a long time in search of a free spot.
In addition, parking rates have not changed since 2015.
The plan for changes includes expanding zone A — from the border of Old Riga to Lacplesa Street, with a possible extension to Bruninieku Street, as well as creating zone A in the so-called "quiet center." Similarly, an expansion of zones B and C is proposed.
There is also a possibility to change the hours of paid parking — for example, to charge fees at night, rather than only from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM on weekdays and from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays, as is currently the case.
Changes may also affect electric vehicles — the current benefits for them may be reduced.
Representatives of the coalition factions interviewed by LETA confirmed that changes will be introduced, but the specific content and timelines are still being discussed.
Riga's Vice Mayor Vilnis Kirsis ("New Unity") noted that he would support changes that help solve existing problems. He acknowledged that parking in the city center is overcrowded, and drivers often have to search for a spot for a long time.
World practice shows that rates should be set so that about 20% of parking spaces always remain free. Since the occupancy in the center of Riga is higher, increasing prices may be one of the solutions.
The issue of expanding zone A has not yet been discussed in the "New Unity" faction, so Kirsis did not specify how much it might increase.
Speaking about limiting benefits for electric vehicles, he noted that roadside parking is primarily intended for short-term parking. Currently, electric vehicles can park for free and are often left there for several days — especially noticeable in winter when they are covered in snow.
Nevertheless, he supports the idea of maintaining more favorable conditions for electric vehicles — for example, free parking for one to two hours, followed by charging fees.
He also suggested considering different conditions for Riga residents and visitors, as well as benefits for families with children.
In Kirsis's opinion, there should be no delay in making a decision.
Vice Mayor Maris Sprindžuks ("United List") also noted that the current situation, where it is impossible to find parking in the center, is unacceptable and requires a solution.
He believes that a free time interval for parking should be established, after which fees begin to apply. This would allow people to pick up purchases, use services, and stop briefly at the roadside.
In his opinion, it is also important to direct parking revenues towards the development of public transport — for example, for the creation and improvement of transfer hubs. Then people will understand that the money is going to useful purposes and making transport more convenient.
Other solutions are also needed, such as creating parking areas where residents can leave their cars for free or for a moderate fee. If the number of parking spaces decreases, for example, due to the construction of bike lanes, they need to be compensated in other areas.
Sprindžuks also noted that the active use of personal cars for trips to the center may indicate that public transport is not sufficiently developed.
Therefore, in his opinion, the problem should be solved comprehensively by creating a simple and clear system that helps change residents' habits.
Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Communication and Transport Ansis Pupols (National Alliance) stated that he would support the increase in fees only if it is accompanied by certain concessions — for example, allowing Riga residents to park for free for a limited time near public places (cafes, shops, medical institutions).
He emphasized that the party will not support a sharp increase in costs, especially if zones with higher fees are simultaneously expanded — a double increase would be unacceptable.
Pupols also noted that benefits for electric vehicles can be maintained in other areas of the city, but not in Old Riga, which should generally be freed from cars — regardless of the type of engine.
Chairman of the Transport Committee Marta Kotelko ("Progressives") emphasized that price increases will not happen this year. In her opinion, this should not occur sooner than a year after the decision is made.
For example, if the decision is made in June of this year, the increase could take effect in June of the following year.
She added that changing the boundaries of parking zones will most affect residents of the respective streets: if the zone changes, the cost of permits for residents will also increase.
For drivers who park for a short time, there will always be a choice — to pay more and park closer to their destination or to leave the car further away and walk or use public transport.
Kotelko also noted that all coalition partners agree that Old Riga should be freed from cars, including electric vehicles. However, a solution must then be found for the cars that will move to the nearest zones, as they are already almost completely filled.
She added that many proposals have been received that still need to be discussed, but there should be no delay in making a decision — we need to move forward.
