A petition challenging Budapest’s planned parking changes has gained momentum, even after the city council voted to soften some measures affecting electric cars.
The original rules, due to take effect on 1 January 2027, would have ended free parking for vehicles with green number plates and introduced double parking fees for cars weighing more than two tonnes. The Budapest General Assembly has now amended both measures.
Electric cars to receive 50 per cent discount
Under the latest decision, purely electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles with green number plates will receive a 50 per cent parking discount until 1 July 2030. As villanyautósok.hu reported, the assembly rejected a proposal to extend free parking until 2030.
The change means electric vehicles will lose their completely free parking status from 2027, but will not immediately face the standard parking rate. The petition, launched through the Budapest Municipality’s official civic initiative platform, calls for the new rules to be withdrawn and for electric cars to retain more favourable parking conditions.
The initiative attracted almost 2,000 signatures within its first two days, reportedly making it the most successful civic initiative on the capital’s platform at that point. If it reaches 1,000 supporters, the mayor or a deputy mayor must consult its initiator; at 10,000 signatures, the General Assembly must put the proposal on its agenda. Only private individuals with a Budapest residential address can sign.
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Petition argues for EV incentives
The initiative, launched by Ádám Bálint and supported by the Hungarian Electromobility Association, argues that electric cars should retain preferential treatment because they produce no tailpipe emissions and generally generate less brake dust through regenerative braking. Supporters also point to their lower noise emissions.
The petition does not demand permanent free parking, instead highlighting European cities where electric cars receive reduced rather than zero parking charges.
More on Budapest’s transport: Dangerous goods train derails in the Hungarian capital, causing major rail disruption
Double charge delayed
The planned double parking fee for vehicles weighing more than two tonnes has also been postponed. It will now not take effect until 1 January 2028. The measure is intended to reflect the greater space occupied by larger vehicles and the additional pressure heavier cars place on road infrastructure.
Critics argue that the two-tonne threshold could disproportionately affect electric vehicles, whose large battery packs can make them heavier than comparable petrol or diesel models. The latest amendments have therefore changed, but not ended, the dispute.
Electric vehicle owners will lose free parking from 2027, while the controversial weight-based surcharge has been pushed back by a year. The petition remains active as supporters seek further changes to Budapest’s parking policy.
Read also: Budapest streets could change dramatically under new pedestrian plan
