Plovdiv Parking Goes Smart
- PLOVDIV, Bulgaria (AP) — The Municipality of Plovdiv is set to introduce automated parking systems, eliminating the need for human attendants, according to officials. The project, funded as...
- The new system will utilize clever cameras at 13 key locations to recognize vehicle registration numbers upon entry and exit.
- According to a municipal statement, the automated systems are intended to provide "control, convenience, and transparency," with the goal of facilitating citizens' parking experiences, reducing administrative costs, and...
Plovdiv to Modernize Parking System with Automation
PLOVDIV, Bulgaria (AP) — The Municipality of Plovdiv is set to introduce automated parking systems, eliminating the need for human attendants, according to officials. The project, funded as part of the city’s 2025 budget, aims to fully digitalize and modernize parking management.
Automated System Details
The new system will utilize clever cameras at 13 key locations to recognize vehicle registration numbers upon entry and exit. Payment kiosks will be installed at parking lots, accepting card payments, bulgarian lev (BGN), and euros.
According to a municipal statement, the automated systems are intended to provide “control, convenience, and transparency,” with the goal of facilitating citizens’ parking experiences, reducing administrative costs, and minimizing potential abuses.
Parking Lot changes
The city plans to remove coin-operated machines at parking lots near the Rowing Canal and Kolodrum, replacing them with the new automated system. Several other municipal parking lots, including those on “The Fourth january,” “Saborna,” “Trimontium,” and “September 6” streets, will see the elimination of booths and municipal employees, transitioning to full automation.
Project Costs and Implementation
The project is valued at more than 450,000 BGN.Implementation is scheduled to begin after the municipal budget is adopted on May 10. The changes will affect 13 parking lots. Parking at Trimontium, Saborna Street, and Ivan vazov Street will cost 3 levs per hour. The remaining locations will charge 2 levs per hour.
Accessibility and Subscriptions
The municipality assures that all locations will be adapted for easy and affordable use by all citizens, including those with disabilities. Subscription parking options and real-time notifications will also be available.
Restricted Parking Zones
The city is awaiting tenders for restricted parking zones in the Old Town, Kapana district, and on Dondukov Street. Initial plans call for 30 minutes of free parking, after which a fee of 10 leva per hour will be applied.
Blue Zone Regulations
Parking in the blue zone will remain restricted to a maximum of four hours, with the price unchanged at 2 BGN.
Plovdiv Parking Modernization: Your Questions Answered
What is happening with parking in Plovdiv?
Plovdiv’s Municipality is introducing automated parking systems to modernize and digitalize parking management. This effort, funded in teh 2025 budget, aims to create a more user-kind and efficient parking experience.
What are the key features of the new automated parking system?
The new system will leverage technology to streamline the parking process:
License Plate Recognition: Cameras at 13 key locations will recognize vehicle registration numbers upon entry and exit.
Payment Kiosks: Payment kiosks will be available at parking lots, allowing payments via card, Bulgarian lev (BGN), and euros.
Enhanced Experience: The municipality aims to provide “control, convenience, and transparency.”
Where will these automated systems be implemented?
the changes will affect 13 parking lots across the city. Specifically, the city plans to replace coin-operated machines near the Rowing Canal and Kolodrum. Several other municipal parking lots, including those on “The Fourth january,” “Saborna,” “Trimontium,” and “september 6” streets, will also be upgraded.
When will the automated parking system be operational?
Implementation is scheduled to start after the municipal budget is adopted on May 10.
How much will it cost to park?
Parking fees will vary depending on the location:
3 BGN per hour: Trimontium,Saborna Street,and Ivan Vazov Street.
2 BGN per hour: Remaining locations.
Will the new system be accessible to everyone?
Yes, the municipality assures that all locations will be adapted for easy and affordable use by all citizens, including those with disabilities.
Will there be subscription parking options?
Yes, subscription parking options will be available. Real-time notifications will also be provided.
What about restricted parking zones?
The city is awaiting tenders for restricted parking zones in the Old Town, Kapana district, and on Dondukov Street.Initial plans include 30 minutes of free parking,followed by a fee of 10 leva per hour.
What about parking in the blue zone?
Parking regulations in the blue zone will remain unchanged: a maximum of four hours at a price of 2 BGN.
What are the benefits of the new automated parking system?
The automated system aims to deliver multiple benefits:
Control: By using digital systems, the city aims to have more control over the parking.
convenience: Easier access and payment options.
Transparency: The system aims to provide better clarity on parking processes.
Reduced Costs: Reducing administrative costs by eliminating the need for human attendants.
Minimize abuses: The new system will minimize potential abuses of the parking systems.
how much is the project costing?
The project is valued at more than 450,000 BGN.
Summary of Parking Changes
Here’s a quick reference table summarizing key changes:
Feature
Details
System
Automated parking system with license plate recognition.
Payment
Card, BGN, and Euro accepted at kiosks.
locations
13 key parking lots, including areas near Rowing Canal, Kolodrum, and others.
Pricing
3 BGN/hour for Trimontium, Saborna Street, and Ivan Vazov Street. 2 BGN/hour for other locations.
Accessibility
Adapted for all citizens, including those with disabilities.
Subscription & Info
Subscription parking and real-time notifications available.
Restricted Zones
30 minutes free parking, then 10 BGN/hour in certain zones (Old Town, Kapana, Dondukov Street, awaiting tenders)
Blue Zone
4-hour limit, 2 BGN price remains.
