City council decides to introduce from 2026 – goal: more space for pedestrians and more mobility peace
At its meeting on September 3, 2025, the City Council of Darmstadt, the city of science, approved the introduction of parking space management (PRB) for the Bessungen Süd district . The launch is scheduled for the third quarter of 2026.
"The area is a densely built-up residential area with a high population density. Currently, parking situations frequently occur here that make it difficult for pedestrians – especially children and people with limited mobility – to access and pass through, as vehicles are often parked on sidewalks," explained Paul Georg Wandrey, Head of the Department of Mobility.
Study shows high parking pressure
A 2024 study found that public parking space utilization rates ranged between 77 and 91 percent – both day and night. This is considered overcrowded. Displacement effects from neighboring zones such as "BE1" in the north or the low-car Ludwigshöhviertel district in the south exacerbate the situation.
"With the introduction of parking management, we are creating more space for pedestrians, especially for children and people with limited mobility. At the same time, we are ensuring greater fairness, reducing congestion, and contributing to more peaceful mobility in the heavily frequented residential area of Bessungen Süd," said Wandrey.
Scope of the new zone
The new parking zone covers the area:
- south of Hermannstraße
- west of Klappacher Straße
- east of the Donnersbergring
- north of the Lichtenbergschule
The parking lot at the Orangery will also be integrated into the concept. The fee is 75 cents per 30 minutes (fee zone II), and the operating hours are Monday to Saturday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a maximum parking time of four hours.
Residents will be able resident parking permits , and visitor passes offered to guests. Special arrangements—such as weekly passes for the Bessungen market—will remain in place.
Digital payment possible
A total of around 50 parking ticket machines be installed, accepting both cash and debit card payments. Payment via app will also be possible.
The zone will be signposted at all entrances and exits, and the vending machines will be placed in clearly visible locations and within walking distance.
Information for residents
At least four months before the start, all residents, business owners, and tradespeople will be informed via a flyer. Feedback, suggestions, and requests regarding the parking situation are welcome and will be incorporated into the planning process, where possible.
A reorganization of parking spaces is not planned immediately. It will only be considered once parking pressure has eased following the introduction of parking space management.
(Darmstadt - Red/PSD/Stip)
