Sharp increase in parking permit prices in large Dutch cities

Residents of the Netherlands' four largest cities can expect their parking permits to put a real dent in their budget next year. Amsterdam is the only one of the four cities not implementing a major price increase for next year, though the Dutch capital is still most expensive when it comes to parking costs, according to a survey by association Eigen Huis among 53 Dutch municipalities, RTL Nieuws reports.

In Utrecht a parking permit in the city center will cost 342 euros next year, an increase of 24 percent compared to this year. In Rotterdam a parking permit will cost 115 euros for 2019, over 70 percent more expensive than this year. The Hague is increasing its prices by 60 percent to 60 euros. The Hague is therefore the cheapest city to park in. Amsterdam will charge 535 euros next year, the same as this year.

Most other municipalities are increasing their parking permit prices with a few percent, according to Eigen Huis.

"We are not against higher parking fees for visitors, because larger cities want fewer cars in their hearts", Hans Andre de la Porte of Eigen Huis said to the broadcaster. "There is nothing wrong with that, but if you as a resident depend on your car, these prices will not be appreciated."