Danish municipalities collect record parking revenues exceeding one billion kroner in 2023

Last year, Danish motorists contributed over one billion kroner to municipal coffers through parking fees. An analysis of municipal parking revenues for 2023 revealed that local authorities collected a record 1,081,070,247 kroner from paid parking, resident permits, and fines. This figure represents a consistent upward trend over nearly a decade, according to a representative from the Danish Automobile Association (FDM).

Copenhagen continues to lead with the highest revenue at 649 million kroner, followed by Aarhus, Frederiksberg, Aalborg, and Odense, all of which saw an increase in parking income in 2023.

FDM expresses concern over rising revenues, suggesting that municipalities may be implementing paid parking primarily to generate income rather than for traffic management. According to FDM, the law permits municipalities to establish paid parking only for traffic-related reasons, not for financial gain.

In light of these developments, FDM has lodged a complaint with the Danish Appeals Board regarding Helsingør Municipality’s new paid parking initiative, which was introduced in April. Local council member Malthe Jacobsen argues that the intent behind the new parking system is to reduce the number of cars in the city center and improve environmental conditions, rather than simply increasing municipal revenue.

The municipality of Silkeborg also reported a significant increase in parking income, up 49.5% to over 12 million kroner. Local officials emphasize the initiative’s focus on creating a healthier, more tranquil urban environment rather than merely boosting budgetary revenue.

Experts note that as urban areas continue to face rising vehicle numbers and the associated demand for parking, many cities are increasingly turning to paid parking as a solution to manage this limited resource.