
Amsterdam Cleans up City Center by Eliminating Parking Spaces
Eliminating Parking Spaces in Amsterdam Means 1,500 Fewer Parking Spaces Every Year

Amsterdam, the capital of the Netherlands, wants to replace parking spaces with bike tracks, bike parking, and trees. It has announced its strategy to eliminate about 1,500 parking spaces from its city center every year. Due to Het Parool, it is even possible to reduce the number of parking spaces of at least 11,200 by December 2025. Although this may sound like a revolutionary step, there is an orderly plan that should ensure a relatively smooth transition.
Successive Reduction of Parking Permits Whilst Increasing Parking Fees
Already, anyone wishing to park in Amsterdam’s city center must have a permit to do so. None of these permits will be revoked, but new ones won’t be issued when existing permit holders no longer need their parking spaces. In addition, the cost of the permits will rise. As streets are cleared, sidewalks will be widened, more trees will be planted, and better infrastructure can be put in place for bicycles and pedestrians.