The Ministry of the Interior and Administration (MSWiA) received an interpelling concerning the increase in parking fees. The applicants are Claudio Jachira and Franciszek Sterczewski from the Civic Coalition and Paulina Matysiak from the Left, who consider the current rates to be besides low and unfair compared to another road penalties.
Why do Members want to rise their mandates?
Members point out that the minimum wage in Poland has increased more than 5 times since the establishment of the current mandate rates, while the amount of parking fines has remained at the same level. In their letter they besides emphasize the disproportionateity of penalties: for example, for driving on the pavement there is simply a fine of PLN 1500, while for illegal parking only PLN 100. Members so propose that alternatively of lowering the advanced punishment for driving on the pavement, the rate for illegal parking should be increased.
Proposals for amendments to the law
Members of the Citizens' Coalition and the Left propose not only to increase the rates of parking fines, but besides to introduce the rule of recidivism. According to their proposal, drivers who would commit the same offense within 24 months would gotta face twice the penalty. In the opinion of Members, low penalties can encourage drivers to break rules, especially in the context of advanced fees for legal parking in paid parking areas.
Response of the Ministry of abroad Affairs
The Ministry of the Interior and Administration, in a answer signed by the Secretary of State Czesław Mroczek, acknowledged that the Members' arguments were correct as regards the request to correct the regulation governing the level of mandates. Although the consequence does not give a circumstantial date, it can be expected that changes will happen in the close future.
As regards the proposal to introduce a recidivism, the Ministry of abroad Affairs expressed the opinion that specified a solution is presently only applicable for the most serious road traffic offences. The Ministry suggests that incorrect parking is not eligible for this category of offences, which means that the introduction of the recidivism rule may not be included in the planned changes.
What does that mean for drivers?
Drivers in Poland may anticipate that, in the close future, parking tickets can be increased. For many people, especially those who regularly usage cars in cities, this may mean more careful compliance with road rules to avoid advanced penalties. Changes in regulations may besides affect the financial situation of drivers, especially those who frequently usage paid parking zones.
Summary
The proposals for amendments to the parking mandates and the possible introduction of the recidivism rule have generated large interest for both drivers and the media. Although circumstantial decisions have not yet been made, the answer of the Ministry of abroad Affairs suggests that the discussion on this subject is open and we can anticipate further information soon. It is worth following developments in order to keep up with possible changes in road regulations.
Daniel Głogowski
Expert in his field – Publicist, author and social activist. The first articles were published in 1999 for global publishers. For more than 30 years, he has gained his experience through cooperation with the largest editorial offices. In his articles, he seeks to address controversial topics and present first viewpoints that allowed for a deeper knowing of the issues discussed.
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Members of the KO and the Left want to rob drivers even more with higher parking tickets
