Buried Raises Parking Fees from 1 July. We'll pay a lot more

Zakopane, 1 of the most popular tourist cities in Poland, introduces a fresh policy on parking charges, which aims to regulate traffic and keep order in the city center. As of July 1, 2024, parking fees in Zakopane will increase, but only for tourists. The residents of the city will proceed to benefit from preferential rates thanks to the Zakopane Resident Charter. What are the details of this change and what are the consequences? Let's take a closer look.

Details of fresh Fees

Zakopane's deputy mayor, Tomasz Pillar, announced that as of July 1, 2024, the first hr of stopover in Subzone A, covering the city's strict centre, would increase. The fresh rate for the first hr will be PLN 6 alternatively of the erstwhile PLN 5. The cost of subsequent parking hours will increase: the second hr will cost PLN 7.20, the 3rd – PLN 8.60 and each next – PLN 6.

Preferences for Residents

The residents of Zakopane, holding the Zakopane Residential Card, will proceed to benefit from preferential rates. For them, the first hr of stay will stay at PLN 3. In addition, residents have the right to park free of charge for an hr a day and usage parking spaces intended exclusively for them.

Reactions and Consequences

The increase in fees met mixed reactions. Tourists who come to Zakopane may be dissatisfied with the higher parking costs, which may affect their decisions to choose a vacation destination. However, local authorities argue that this change is essential to reduce traffic in the city centre and encourage tourists to usage alternate means of transport.

Resident Reactions

Residents of close towns, specified as Poronin or Kościelisko, express their discontent. Mr Grzegorz z Kościelisk notes that although the distance to the centre of Zakopane is only 7-8 km, they are forced to pay higher rates, which he considers unfair. regular commutes to work, school or offices will become more costly for them.

Potential Benefits

On the another hand, the increase can have affirmative effects. As 1 of the Zakopane taxi drivers notes, higher charges can encourage tourists to leave their cars at their guesthouses and usage public transport or private buses. At the top of the tourist season, this can be a cheaper and more convenient solution than struggling with traffic jams and searching for a parking space.

Holiday period in Zakopane

The upcoming vacation period makes parking issues in Zakopane even more burning. According to the Tatra Chamber of Commerce data, more than 30% of the accommodation for the first 3 weeks of holidays is already occupied a period before the holiday. From mid-July until the end of this month, about 50% of beds are occupied, and in August the accommodation does not exceed 50%.

Prices of Beds

The average prices of accommodation in Zakopane for the vacation period stay at the level of last year. Prices for a double area in the hotel standard begin from 300 PLN, while accommodation with private hosts can be found for 60 PLN.

The introduction of higher parking fees in Zakopane since 1 July 2024 is simply a step to improve traffic management and order in the city. Although the increase has been met with dissatisfaction from tourists and local residents, it besides has the possible to benefit, specified as reducing traffic jams and making greater usage of public transport. The Zakopane Residential Charter allows to keep preferential rates for residents, which is an crucial component of this solution.

The decisions of the Zakopane authorities are a consequence to the changing needs of the city and its inhabitants, as well as to the increasing challenges of tourism. As the vacation period approaches, time will show how these changes will affect everyday life in Zakopane and the experiences of tourists visiting this charming town under the Tatras.