Amsterdam implements parking rate increase; now €7.50 p/h

Amsterdam implemented its massive parking rate increase on Sunday, thereby cementing the city's position as the most expensive Dutch city to park in. From now on, parking in the city center costs 7.50 euros per hour, instead of 5 euros, NOS reports.

Parking rates in other parts of the city and in parking garages also increased. In the ring around the city center, for example, motorists now pay 6 euros per hour to park their car.

These rate increases were announced with the coalition agreement. They are the first parking rates increases in eight years. The municipality hopes that the higher parking tariffs will encourage people to make more use of public transport.

The majority of the money raised with parking rates is used to improve the city's road network, and to build parks and play areas.