In an effort to encourage a modal shift towards public transport, in September 2022 the French city of Nantes extended the area of the city in which motorists have to pay for parking. The move converted 10,000 former free parking spaces to metered parking spaces, which now amount to 25,000 spaces in the city. At the same time, the city also increased the fees that motorists face to park in its paid parking zones. 

However, there is always the risk with such actions that those on low incomes suffer disproportionately. The city was aware of this, particularly in the present economic and energy situation. In order to address such concerns, Nantes plans to introduce a household income-based discount for annual parking tickets that will benefit low-income households, specifically all of those who now find themselves living within the metered area.

The level of discount will vary. Depending on the actual income level of the household, the discount will vary between 30% and 90%. So, those households with the lowest incomes will only need to pay €18 for their annual parking ticket instead of the full price of €180. The price increases stepwise with increasing incomes.

The discount will come into force in April 2023. Between now and then, the city will define the details of how to apply for the discount.

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Article published first at TheConnexion on 11 October 2022.