This week, Zurich City’s executive tore up an agreement between opposing political camps on parking, according to RTS.
The agreement, known as the “Parkplatzkompromiss” which came into force in 1996, was a simple agreement to maintain the status quo. No new parking would be added and no existing parking would be taken away.
Now, with more Green Party members in the city’s government, the political balance has shifted, and the executive has decided to make some changes.
With the “Parkplatzkompromiss” agreement gone, the city plans to cut 700 parking places in the centre of town to make way for more bicycle parking and green space.
Some are unhappy the move and warn it will hit retailers who are already struggling from the rise of online shopping. Members of the Swiss People’s Party are considering a referendum on the issue.
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Ingo Jott says
The suffering retailers argument is so flawed. Most people already don’t take the car to the city center. And with a city centre that’s geared towards bike and foot traffic, more people will stroll through the streets. With increased foot traffic come increased sales.
And some green spots to relax in between are much needed in Zurich as well.
Kos Pap says
The more difficult you make parking the less people will visit the center for shopping shifting to mall (Glatt) or online… Be very careful before you destroy the center of the beautiful city