PLOVDIV — Parking in central Plovdiv is poised to become significantly more expensive under a proposed amendment to the city’s parking ordinance, with a new tariff of 10 leva per hour (approximately 5 euros) slated for key restricted areas.
The fee will apply after an initial 30-minute free stay and targets some of the city’s most congested and historic districts, including the Radio and Television Center, the Old Town, and the popular Kapana quarter.
The move comes in response to mounting complaints from residents and city officials about the chaotic state of parking in the heart of Bulgaria’s second-largest city.
Ivan Ganchev, director of the municipal enterprise “Parking and Repatriation,” said the central zones have become saturated with improperly parked cars, often spilling onto sidewalks and obstructing pedestrian access.
“The problem is particularly acute in areas like Kapana and the Old Town,” Ganchev noted. “Many of the vehicles belong to workers using long-term permits, which severely limits short-term availability for visitors and residents running errands.”
Ganchev emphasized that the new pricing structure is designed to improve turnover and ease congestion, with a range of accessible payment methods, including the option to pay in euros, available to drivers.
While the fee hike has raised eyebrows among some motorists, city officials argue that it is a necessary step to restore order and prioritize short-term parking needs in densely visited districts.
The proposed changes also include stricter enforcement measures, such as a four-hour limit in the city’s existing blue zone, which remains priced at 2 leva per hour for residents. Vehicles exceeding this limit will be subject to clamping.
Deputy Mayor for Transport Erol Sadakov expressed confidence that the measures would promote more sustainable modes of transport.
“The aim is not just to regulate parking but also to encourage citizens to consider public transportation or use one of the city’s larger municipal lots,” Sadakov said. “We’ve invested in several strategically located parking areas that are significantly more affordable than street parking.”
In addition to the high-fee restricted zones, the ordinance proposes a 1 leva increase in parking rates at three central locations: the “Trimontium” parking lot, “Ivan Vazov” street, and the lot on “Saborna” Street. These sites are commonly used due to their proximity to major cultural landmarks and administrative buildings.
The proposed ordinance is currently under review and is expected to be discussed further in upcoming city council sessions. If approved, the new regulations could come into effect within the next few months.
While some residents welcome the stricter parking rules as a way to restore order and accessibility in the city center, others have expressed concerns about affordability and the availability of public transit alternatives.
As the debate continues, Plovdiv joins a growing number of European cities looking to discourage car traffic in central areas in favor of a cleaner, more pedestrian-friendly urban environment.