Actualisatie Parkeervisie Valkenswaard – Updated Municipal Parking Regulations
The Actualisatie Parkeervisie Valkenswaard is an official policy document issued by the Gemeente Valkenswaard, Netherlands, dated 4 March 2023. It serves as a formal update to the Parkeervisie 2015 and is based on the council motion Vreemd Parkeerbeleid adopted on 28 January 2021. This document functions as a strategic framework to guide the transition toward a long-term goal defined as vrij parkeren als basis (free parking as the baseline), supported by technical advice from the DTNP report.
The scope of the document encompasses parking regulations within the center of Valkenswaard and its surrounding residential shells. It details three primary regulatory scenarios—Scenario A (full immediate transition to free parking/blue zones), Scenario B (phased transition), and Scenario C (maintenance of paid parking)—and assesses their traffic, organizational, and financial implications. Key regulatory elements include the management of parkeerschijfzones (parking disc zones), resident and visitor permit systems (vergunningensysteem), and the integration of the Nota Parkeernormen and Mobiliteitsplan.
The following sections detail the specific technical outcomes of the parking update, including localized interventions for known bottlenecks and the specific requirements for different user groups such as residents, entrepreneurs, and visitors.
Parking Scenarios and Implementation
The municipality evaluates three distinct paths for the future of parking regulation, prioritizing the 'stip op de horizon' (target horizon) of free parking.
- Scenario A (Full Implementation): Complete abolition of paid parking in favor of a parkeerschijfzone (blue zone) with a standard 2-hour limit. Specific areas like Deken Mandersplein, Kerverijplein, and Hofnar are designated for these zones.
- Scenario B (Phased Transition): A step-by-step approach starting with making the Hazestraat and Gasthuisstraat parking lots free to accommodate long-term parkers and relieve pressure on residential shells.
- Scenario C (Paid Parking Baseline): Maintaining existing paid parking infrastructure while simplifying the permit system and introducing flat rates to improve clarity for visitors.
Target Groups and Permit Systems
The policy distinguishes between specific user groups to ensure optimal distribution of parking capacity across the center and surrounding neighborhoods.
- Bewoners (Residents): Access to permits for both the center and the shell (schil), with the intention to simplify current sector divisions into two main zones.
- Werknemers (Employees): Encouraged to use peripheral free parking lots to keep high-demand spots available for shoppers.
- Kortparkerende bezoekers: Facilitated through blue zones for errands, with 30-minute 'flitsparkeren' (quick parking) options at locations like Leenderweg and Eindhovenseweg.
- Ondernemers (Entrepreneurs): Provisions for limited parking permits within a quota system to maintain business accessibility.
Technical Bottlenecks and Local Interventions
Specific streets and zones requiring immediate attention are identified with tailored solutions based on the selected regulatory scenario.
- Bakkerstraat and Peperstraat: Investigation into merging sectors to provide more flexibility for residents during evening hours when demand is highest.
- Unastraat: Planned spatial redesign in 2025 to increase physical parking capacity.
- Brakenstraat: Maintenance of the permit-holder-only parking status implemented in 2021.
- Valkenierstraat: Preservation of the blue zone established in May 2022 to protect short-term parking availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the standard time limit for blue zones in Valkenswaard?
Under Scenario A, a standard limit of 2 hours applies during regulated hours, though certain locations like Leenderweg have 30-minute limits for quick visits.
Which parking lots are prioritized for free parking in the phased plan?
The Hazestraat and Gasthuisstraat parking lots are identified as the first locations to transition to free parking to alleviate pressure from long-term parkers.
How are parking fines handled in blue zones versus paid zones?
Fines in paid parking zones are administrative surcharges (naheffingsaanslagen) paid to the municipality, while fines in blue zones are criminal law violations (wet Mulder) that go to the national treasury.
What is the municipality's policy on electric vehicle charging points?
The municipality follows a two-track approach: proactively placing poles based on forecast maps and reactively placing them upon request by vehicle owners.
Will the resident permit system be simplified?
Yes, the plan aims to reduce the complexity of the current sector-based system by moving toward two primary permit types: center permits and shell permits.
Is paid parking being completely abolished immediately?
No, the document presents different scenarios; while Scenario A proposes immediate abolition, Scenario B suggests a phased approach, and Scenario C considers maintaining paid parking.
