Issuing parking fines always costs the municipality of Utrecht more than it yields

Issuing a parking fine always costs the municipality of Utrecht more than it yields. The amount of the fine is regulated nationally, with a maximum of 72.90 euros in 2023. But the municipality costs about 95 euros per fine. Last year’s record number of fines in Utrecht is therefore not a big profit.

The number of parking fines in Utrecht has risen to a record high of 112,411 in 2023 – so DUIC wrote earlier this month. An increase of almost 12,000 compared to 2022. Because more and more areas in the municipality have to pay, the number of fines is also increasing rapidly.

Additional income for the municipality, several respondents wrote under the message. However, it is not that simple. After questions from DUIC, the municipality stated that issuing those fines always costs more than it yields.

The maximum rate for a parking ticket last year was 72.90 euros plus the one-off hourly rate. That amount was not devised by the municipality of Utrecht, but arranged nationally. However, the municipality pays approximately 95 euros per fine. That amount goes towards processing, personnel and overhead costs. The money that comes in through parking fines therefore does not cover costs.