Parkeerbeleidsplan Valkenburg aan de Geul 2024-2028 – Parking Policy Framework
The Parkeerbeleidsplan Valkenburg aan de Geul, titled Aantrekkelijk parkeren 2024-2028, is the official municipal parking policy adopted by the municipality of Valkenburg aan de Geul. Valid from December 11, 2023, this version 1.0 report outlines the regulatory framework for parking management within the municipality's 16,000-resident community and its high-volume tourism zones. The document functions as a specific elaboration of the broader Mobiliteitsplan Valkenburg aan de Geul 2040 and replaces or updates elements from the 2012 parking norms and subsequent 2018 organisational notes.
The policy governs parking systems and facilities primarily in the core of Valkenburg, with provisions for local customisation in surrounding nuclei. It defines regulatory domains including permit sectors, paid parking zones, and digital enforcement schemes. Structural elements of the document include an analysis of current parking pressure, financial exploitation balances, and a multi-year execution program (MUPP 2024-2028). It addresses the requirements for diverse user groups such as residents, tourists, employees, and users of sustainable mobility like electric vehicles and shared transport.
The document establishes concrete frameworks for parking norms in new developments and sets specific tariffs and time windows for various locations. It details the transition toward a fully digital parking chain, including the implementation of license-plate-based registration and the phase-out of certain physical permit types.
Parking Pressure and Zonal Classification
The municipality distinguishes between three levels of parking pressure based on total occupancy rates of paid spaces during peak moments:
- Low Pressure (< 70%): Typical for regular weekdays and non-peak weekends, occurring approximately 150 to 200 days per year.
- Average to High Pressure (70% - 85%): Observed during holiday periods and standard high-season weekends.
- Very High Pressure (90% - 100%): Extreme peak days coinciding with major events like Kerststad Valkenburg or the Amstel Gold Race.
To manage these fluctuations, the center is designated as a car-low zone (autoluw), where residents and visitors must adhere to specific sector regulations. Currently, the system manages approximately 3,900 spaces, including 1,400 spaces reserved exclusively for permit holders in residential areas.
Permit Systems and Visitor Regulations
The policy outlines several permit types and digital registration schemes to prioritize resident access and manage visitor flow:
- Bewonersvergunning: Residents registered in a permit sector may apply for a first permit for free, with fees of €25 or €75 for subsequent vehicles.
- Bezoekersregeling: A digital system via a smartphone app allows residents to register visitors at a reduced rate of €0.10 per hour, with a maximum of 500 hours.
- Werkparkeervergunning: Available for employees of local businesses, valid for specific peripheral parking lots like Geulpark, Daalhemerweg, Spoorlaan, and Cauberg.
- E9 Regime: The municipality maintains parking regulations in residential shells around the center based on the Wegenverkeerswet, ensuring these areas remain reserved for residents and their visitors.
New Tariff Structure (2025 Implementation)
A revised tariff house will be implemented to encourage parking at the periphery and increase turnover in the town center. All paid parking locations will offer the first hour free, provided the user registers their license plate at a terminal or via an app.
- Walramplein: Targeted for short-term parking with a higher rate of €4.00 per hour.
- Center Ring (e.g., Koningswinkelstraat I): Hourly rate of €3.00.
- Center Rim (e.g., Aan de Kei, Cauberg): Hourly rate of €2.00, with Cauberg offering a daily rate of €12.00.
- Peripheral lots (e.g., Geulpark): Hourly rate of €1.00 with a daily maximum of €6.00.
Execution and Digitalization (MUPP 2024-2028)
The Meerjaren Uitvoeringsprogramma Parkeren (MUPP) identifies several key projects for the coming years:
- Scanauto implementation: Transitioning to automated enforcement using camera-equipped vehicles to increase efficiency.
- Digitalization of permits: Phasing out physical cards in favor of a digital E-loket for all permit types including the Gehandicaptenparkeerkaart.
- New Parking Norms: Developing a updated Nota Parkeernormen to replace the 2012 standards, reflecting modern mobility trends and shared transport needs.
- Bicycle Parking: Developing a plan for secure, logical bicycle storage facilities in the center to support the STOMP principle (Stappen, Trappen, OV, Mobiliteitsdiensten, Privéauto).
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the first hour of parking free in Valkenburg aan de Geul?
Yes, under the new policy, the first hour is free at all paid parking locations, but users must register their license plate at a parking terminal or via a parking app beforehand.
What are the parking fees for the Walramplein?
The Walramplein is designated for high-circulation short-term parking with a proposed hourly rate of €4.00.
How does the visitor parking scheme work for residents?
Residents can use a digital visitor regulation (bezoekersregeling) to register guests via a smartphone app at a rate of €0.10 per hour for up to 500 hours.
What is the daily parking rate at the Cauberg parking lot?
The proposed daily rate for the Cauberg parking lot is €12.00, with an hourly rate of €2.00 after the first free hour.
Are there parking permits for employees in the center?
Employees can apply for a monthly work permit (werkparkeervergunning) valid for specific locations like Geulpark or Daalhemerweg to prevent parking in residential zones.
What is the E9 parking regime in Valkenburg?
The E9 regime refers to residential zones where parking is restricted to permit holders only under the Wegenverkeerswet, intended to protect neighborhoods from visitor parking overflow.
Can I park a motorcycle on the sidewalk in Valkenburg?
No, officially parking a motorcycle on the sidewalk or outside designated bays is not permitted in Valkenburg and is subject to enforcement.
Where is the main public parking garage located?
The primary public garage is 'Aan de Kei', which is part of the car-low center strategy and offers 24/7 parking.
