Almere is growing rapidly. The city is becoming increasingly busy, while parking space is limited. Therefore, the municipal executive has established a new parking policy. This new parking policy ensures that there is more space for people, children, cyclists, and greenery, without losing accessibility for those who need a car. Almere wants to remain a pleasant city to live, work, and play in.
Councilor Micha Mos (mobility): With this new parking policy, we can better manage the space in our city. We are making room for housing construction, addressing parking nuisance where necessary, and promoting sustainable mobility, such as cycling and public transport. This way, we make Almere greener and healthier, and give space back to the residents of Almere.
Main Principles
With the new parking policy, space in the city is better distributed. Where possible, there is space for cars. In some parts of the city, there is little room for that. When the municipality redesigns a street or neighborhood or carries out major maintenance, choices are made for more greenery, play areas, or bike paths. In other cases, extra space for parking is chosen. This depends on what a neighborhood needs.
In new construction, careful consideration is given to how many parking spaces are needed, and sometimes less space for cars is reserved, for example in the center or near stations. There, space is also created for shared transport.
If parking becomes too crowded in certain areas, paid parking can be introduced, but only after consultation with residents and entrepreneurs. Rules have been established for this. To better distribute car parking across parking garages, different parking rates will be introduced. The first parking permit or parking subscription remains affordable, while a second or third becomes more expensive. Additionally, the municipality ensures sufficient spaces for parking bicycles.
With this new parking policy, Almere ensures a pleasant, accessible, and green city where there is space for everyone.
Policy Based on Ideas from the City
In creating the parking policy, many people contributed ideas and thoughts. Discussions were held with various organizations, housing associations, and the hospital. Nearly 3,000 residents also participated in a survey about parking. Focus groups were then held per district to discuss experiences. The draft policy was open for feedback from residents and entrepreneurs for nine weeks. Based on the feedback, the policy was adjusted and improved. All feedback and changes are documented in the appendices to the policy. The parking policy will be discussed with the council in the coming months, which will ultimately make a decision on it.