Put Your Parking Change Hats On: "Digitizing Blog"
Merchants Plea for Cashless Parking Spaces
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Let's dive in for freeThe Retailers Guild in Bergisch Gladbach is pushing for the elimination of cash transactions at municipal parking meters. A modern alternative is to opt for mobile app payments complemented by card functionality.
The United Interests, representing Bergisch Gladbach's retail sector, has weighed in on the future of parking meters, specifically advocating for an end to cash transactions during parking. By eliminating cash usage, the city stands to save approximately €90,000, says the association, which includes the City Centre, Bensberg, Paffrath, Refrath, and Schildgen interest groups.
App-based payments offer the advantage of minute-precise billing and simplify the overall payment process. However, a total elimination of parking meters would not be feasible, as not all parking visitors from Bergisch Gladbach's shopping sprees are keen on mobile apps. Hence, the need for a substitute approach such as EC, Giro, or credit card options is crucial.
Initially, the city administration had proposed the implementation of card functions, but this suggestion was vetoed in the Infrastructure, Environment, Safety, and Order Committee. After a heated debate, the Green, SPD, and FWG parties voted in favor of completely scrapping parking meters.
The Green, SPD, and FWG parties have yet to address the possibility of enabling cash payments via so-called "pickerls" based on the Vienna model, a proposal not mentioned by the retail sector. The hope of the three factions to have retail outlets distribute the voucher booklets via the retail trade seems to face some skepticism. Recently, the FWG has withdrawn its support from Green and SPD proposals and now advocates for machines with card functionality.
Openly, the retail sector's interest groups oppose the CDU's stance. The CDU has not explicitly stated its expectations for a "sensible combination of digital and analog payment options," but they have unequivocally rejected the "pickerl" paperwork system.
Fraught exchanges in the responsible Infrastructure, Environment, Safety, and Order Committee have left retail sector representatives bewildered. They now hope that a "progressive, economical, and forward-thinking decision on cashless parking on municipal parking lots" will be made during the next council meeting.
Going Deeper
The Greens, SPD, and FWG propose enabling cash payments via the Viennese "pickerl" system, which involves purchasing a voucher that can be used for parking. The retail sector appears to be more inclined towards a one-stop system that includes both digital and analog options. The CDU has rejected the "pickerl" system, reserving its support for a system that allows on-site cash payments.
Added Context
The Greens advocate for a more environmentally friendly and efficient parking system, citing reduced administrative efforts and maintenance costs as potential benefits. The SPD supports the Greens' stance while also seeking to maintain options for cash-preferring parking visitors. The FWG promotes digital solutions as a means of improving efficiency and reducing bureaucratic processes.
The Association of Retailers in Bergisch Gladbach, while not specifically mentioned in the article, may advocate for a combination of cash-based and digital payment options to cater to the diverse preferences of their customer base. The CDU, again not mentioned in the article, could potentially support an approach that prioritizes on-site cash payments while transitioning towards more digital solutions.
Sources:[1] Publik Forum, [Online]. https://www.publikforum.de/ (accessed February 10, 2023).[2] Bergischer Post, [Online]. https://www.bergischer-post.de/ (accessed February 10, 2023).
The Retailers Guild in Bergisch Gladbach suggests the adoption of mobile app payments and card functionality as alternatives to cash transactions at municipal parking meters (technology). In response, the Greens, SPD, and FWG parties propose enabling cash payments via the Viennese "pickerl" system, a technology that involves purchasing a voucher for parking (technology).
