Students in Ludwigsburg indignantly: parking fees come!

Students in Ludwigsburg indignantly: parking fees come!

The situation around the parking spaces in front of the universities in Ludwigsburg is faced with a change that has disappointment for many students and employees. So far, they have been able to park there for free, but from December 20, a new parking concept will be introduced that provides for fees. Anja Müller, chair of the parking house company, presented the new system in an information event that met with great interest.

A total of over 200 people took part in the event, including students, professors and employees. In the future, two options will be available for parking: a semester ticket for 100 euros for students alone or a monthly ticket for national employees for 25 euros. Alternatively, day tickets can be purchased at a price of one euro per hour to a maximum of three euros a day. For use, the vehicle owners must create a customer account with the parking company Baden-Württemberg (PBW).

resentment among students and employees

The reactions to the new fees are mostly negative. Many of those present find prices over the top, especially those who have to live with a narrow budget anyway. "100 euros a month is simply not feasible," says a student. A professor expresses that it is unfair if everyone pays the same price while some earn better than others. The participants agree that the new rules are unfavorable because they are forced to do many new students and employees.

In Anja Müller's communication, it is stated that the new parking fees are part of a nationwide requirement to reduce car traffic. The green-black state government has decided to gradually raise fees in all state-owned parking spaces in order to create incentives for the use of public transport. This measure also refers to increasing the attractiveness of alternatives such as cycling.

effects on parking space availability

The introduction of fees significantly changes the previous park landscape. Experts estimate that many residents and students will look for free alternatives in the future, since the parking spaces in front of the universities could be more difficult to access. The terrain are already overcrowded, and many fear not to find any more places when the new regulations come into force.

The parking company plans to keep a certain contingent of semester tickets and permanent parking tickets free, but it remains unclear how big this contingent will be. Ticket sales for the new regulations start on November 18 and the students already have concerns that the tickets will be sold out quickly. Furthermore, the "greyhound process" is criticized: For those who do not try quickly enough for a ticket, only the more expensive daily ticket option.

Another point of criticism that was discussed in the meeting is the current transport connection to the university. While some express the wish to drive less car, others express their concerns about the inadequate alternatives in public transport. "The S-Bahn is overcrowded," complains one spectator, while another point out that an arrival by bike from the outskirts is hardly possible.

The planned system is therefore not only under the focus on the financial aspect, but also with regard to the practical feasibility in everyday life of the students. Clear guidelines are necessary to meet the new requirements and at the same time promote switching to alternative means of transport. For many, it remains to be seen what the parking situation will look like after the fees are completely implemented.

Information about the available parking spaces at the universities:

• Parkplatz one : Eduard-Spranger-Straße
• Parking two: Reutallee
• parking lot : Fröbelstraße

For more details on this topic, the report at www.stuttgarter-nachrichten.de