Cars and other vehicles moving along roads or through cities. - Municipalities and towns' group welcomes decision on street-side parking
The German Association for Cities and Towns (DStGB) applauds the Federal Administrative Court's ruling granting citizens the right to take legal action against vehicles parked on curbs. This decision brings clarity to road authorities, municipal order offices, residents, and particularly drivers and passengers.
The Leipzig-based Federal Administrative Court asserts that residents can request authorities to address vehicles parked on sidewalks if certain conditions are met. Essentially, this right applies only to a specific area in front of their own front door where space has been significantly restricted.
The DStGB advocates for a new legal framework to empower municipalities in managing public spaces. While supporting parking spaces for those who rely on their cars, the organization also advocates for promoting alternatives, such as cyclists, pedestrians, and public transportation. "An amendment to the Road Traffic Act would provide municipalities with more flexibility," the statement read.
Five Bremen residents filed a lawsuit. The controversial issue of curb parking, where vehicles park with two wheels on the sidewalk, has been a longstanding concern in the city. While unauthorized in theory, curb parking is prevalent in many German municipalities, and authorities often tolerate it.
In 2021, the Bremen Administrative Court established that the plaintiffs could compel traffic authorities to take action. Traffic authorities had the authority to choose the appropriate measure. The Bremen Higher Administrative Court upheld the verdict the following year, noting that the authority had a certain scope of action, but couldn't remain inactive. The Federal Administrative Court has now confirmed these decisions.
