Anger in Alphen aan de Rijn as parking tickets shoot up by 41 percent
Many residents of Alphen aan de Rijn are angered about increased prices when it comes to parking tickets, Omroep West reported. Since January 1, a fine of 56,35 euros has to be paid, whereas this fee was 39,81 euros last year.
Legally, municipalities are not allowed to earn any money from parking fines. However, the city also does not want to make a loss. This results in a forecast being made of the total number of parking tickets that the scan cars expect to issue per year. The municipality expects that fewer tickets will be issued in 2025, therefore, the fine amount will increase.
Parking fines actually dropped in the region because the scan cars were doing their job too well. The fine fee went from 72,90 euros to 51,90 and then dropped further to 39,81 euros.
“So because there are fewer fines (which should be a good thing) fine prices go up? What kind of bullshit is that?” said one resident.
Another resident believed that the solution to this is simple. “Parking rates and fines are going up to pay for the scan cars and staff. Isn't abolishing paid parking the solution? That removes the uncertainty about whether the cost-benefit balance is neutral at the end of the year.”
Traffic fines are also increasing across the country this year. Most violations will result in a fine that is 10 euros higher than last year, with speeding fines resulting in a 15 euro higher fee.
