If you’re planning a trip to Antwerp, Belgium, you need to be aware of the city’s new parking regulations that will go into effect on August 1, 2023. The city has announced that it will ban street parking in it’s downtown area. These regulations are designed to make the city center more pedestrian-friendly by prohibiting visitors from parking on the streets in the city center. Instead, visitors will be required to park in underground garages located within the area stretching from Leien to Scheldekaaien.
Who can park on the streets?
The new parking regulations will apply to all visitors to Antwerp, except for disabled individuals. Only city residents and individuals with special permits will be permitted to park on the streets. Certain groups, such as health workers, entrepreneurs, and car sharers, may apply for a special permit. Guests of residents will still be allowed to park on the street, but only if their host registers them through a web portal. However, they will only be able to park for three hours, and they will have to pay a fee of €3.8 per hour.
Why are these regulations being implemented?
Antwerp has been taking steps to reduce traffic in the historic city center. In 2017, the city implemented a Low Emission Zone and banned most polluting traffic. These new parking regulations are the next step in this effort. The goal is to make the city center more pedestrian-friendly, reducing the amount of traffic and making it easier for people to get around on foot.
How can tourists prepare for these changes?
If you’re planning a trip to Antwerp and want to drive into the city center, you need to take some precautions. First, you’ll need to register your vehicle online to enter the LEZ. You can check your vehicle online to see if it’s allowed. Once your vehicle is allowed in the LEZ, you’ll need to find a place to park. It’s recommended that you book a hotel with a parking garage or check the rates of the underground parking garages in Antwerp.
Antwerp Park & Rides
Alternatively, visitors can park their vehicle at one of the 9 Park + Rides outside the city. Here you can park for as little as 1-3€ per 24hours. From there, the Antwerp’s public transport network conveniently helps you reach your destination.
Conclusion
In conclusion, visitors to Antwerp need to be aware of the city’s new parking regulations that will go into effect on August 1, 2023. To make the city center more pedestrian-friendly, visitors will no longer be able to park on the streets. Instead, they’ll need to park in underground garages located within the area stretching from Leien to Scheldekaaien. Only city residents and individuals with special permits will be allowed to park on the streets, with a few exceptions. Disabled individuals are exempt from these regulations. Guests of residents can park on the street, but only for three hours, and they’ll need to pay a fee of €3.8 per hour. By preparing ahead of time and knowing what to expect, you can avoid any parking-related hassles.
I am a resident of Antwerp but my car has non-Belgium plates and it doesn’t seem possible to register without Belgium plates?