Gent Implements Sunday Parking Fees to Boost Municipal Revenue
The city of Gent is expanding its revenue streams through a significant overhaul of its urban parking policy. Starting April 1, 2026, the city mandated that street parking in the red and orange zones be paid for on Sundays and public holidays, a move designed to generate an estimated €1.4 million in additional income.
This policy shift is part of a broader strategy to optimize city mobility and increase municipal funds. In addition to the new Sunday requirements, the city has raised tariffs for street parking and underground garages. In the most expensive municipal garages, hourly rates have increased by €1, with hikes of up to €2 on Saturdays and during special events.
Despite the official start date, the city has acknowledged a level of operational friction. Some informational signage still displays the old regulations, leading to confusion among motorists. To mitigate this, Mobility Alderman Joris Vandenbroucke announced that the city is currently in a transition phase. Until April 30, 2026, Gent will not issue formal fines to those who fail to pay on Sundays; instead, violators will receive informational flyers under their windshield wipers.
“We do this always when we make major changes to our parking rates,” Vandenbroucke stated, noting that the one-month grace period allows drivers to acclimate to the new rules. He emphasized that while some info boards are still being updated, official signage and parking meters were updated by April 1.
The enforcement phase begins on May 1, 2026, at which point the city will start issuing actual fines. Drivers found in violation of the Sunday parking rules will face a penalty of €48. This transition reflects the city’s effort to balance aggressive revenue targets with a fair implementation period for the public.
For those looking to avoid the complexities of street parking, Vandenbroucke suggested utilizing underground parking garages in the city center. He noted that these facilities are often more cost-effective than street spaces and typically offer better availability on Sundays and holidays.
The current parking zones are structured as follows:
- Red Zone: Paid parking Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. To 11 p.m. (Maximum 3 hours between 9 a.m. And 7 p.m.).
- Orange Zone: Paid parking Monday through Sunday, 9 a.m. To 11 p.m. (Maximum 5 hours between 9 a.m. And 7 p.m.).
- Yellow Zone: Paid parking Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. To 7 p.m. (Free on Sundays and public holidays).
- Green Zone: Paid parking Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. To 7 p.m. (Free on Sundays and public holidays).
- Blue Zone: No payment required; maximum 2-hour parking with a disc from 9 a.m. To 6 p.m. Unless otherwise noted.
This strategic shift in parking management underscores the city’s focus on maximizing urban infrastructure monetization while managing the logistical challenges of updating physical city signage.
