Schools, healthcare institutions, and the police can now apply for twice as many parking permits. This allows more employees to park affordably. The city council aims to help reduce the staff shortage in these sectors. The regulation now also applies to vocational schools and institutions in the Centrum district.
Since 2004, schools, healthcare institutions, and the police have been able to apply for social parking permits. In 2018, primary and secondary schools received additional permits. Last year, about 3,000 of these permits were in use. Until now, each district determined how many permits were granted, and different rules applied in the districts.
This new regulation provides more social permits, an easier process, and uniform rules.
- In East, West, and South, an institution can apply for 1 permit per 5 FTE (was 10 FTE).
- In North, Nieuw-West, and Southeast, this can be done per 2.5 FTE (was 5 FTE).
- In Centrum, this can be done per 10 FTE (was not possible).
Vocational schools also get access
Vocational schools can now also make use of the regulation. This is important because a shortage of teachers can mean that compulsory students do not receive lessons.
Separate agreements for the police
The police retain parking spaces on their premises and special places in public areas. These will not be deducted from the total, as long as they are used for police cars or seized vehicles.
Parking for essential professions
Councillor Melanie van der Horst (Traffic and Transport) emphasizes why these professions get an exception: “Amsterdam is getting busier. We cannot accommodate cars everywhere, but healthcare workers, teachers, and police officers are essential. For some, a parking permit can make the difference between working in or outside the city.”
When will this start?
The regulation must be established in the Parking Regulation before summer, so that schools can have certainty about parking permits for the new school year. In the coming period, we will inform institutions about the change. We will also provide assistance in applying for parking permits.