Reykjavik shortens central parking fee hours

Reykjavik’s governing majority has approved shorter paid parking hours in the city centre, improved security and round-the-clock access at municipal parking garages, mbl.is reports.

The Independence Party, Progressive Party and Viðreisn approved the changes at a City Council executive committee meeting on Thursday. The measures include proposals from the city’s Environment and Planning Council and a proposal to abolish maximum parking requirements for new buildings.

Paid parking hours in zones P1 and P2 in central Reykjavik will be reduced by one hour. Charges will apply from 9am to 8pm on weekdays and from 10am to 8pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Previously, charges continued until 9pm.

Lighting and monitoring will be improved in the city’s parking garages to increase safety for people and vehicles. The garages will also remain open around the clock every day of the year; they have previously been closed at night.

Rules setting a maximum number of parking spaces for new buildings will be abolished. The city will instead allow greater flexibility and assess each case individually, in consultation with developers about parking needs in the relevant area.

Mayor Hildur Björnsdóttir said the changes fulfilled promises made to voters before the local elections, including shortening paid parking hours, creating a safer environment in parking garages and removing maximum parking limits for new developments.