Figures released by Budapest parking companies raise eyebrows

Budapest's three parking companies generated total revenues of Ft 19.3 billion (€67 million) over the past three years, of which Ft 8.9 billion went to district governments, writes Index.hu.

Despite there being 50% more free parking spaces handed out to residents in its zones than actual spaces, Centrum generated the highest revenues. In 2008, it brought in a total of Ft 3.2 billion of which Ft 1.977 came from fees and Ft 1.292 from fines. This is a reversal from the previous year, when the majority of money came from fines. It is unclear why this should be the case, but the company has been involved in several scandals in the past.

Perhaps most controversially, the company only turned 22% of its revenues over to district governments over this period. By contrast, the parking company run by District V and the city passed on Ft 1 billion of Ft 1.6 billion total revenue.

Meanwhile, the city's parking zones are being redrawn again, with restrictions extended in most districts, including 20% to 30% price increases and parking tickets compulsory until 8 pm instead of 6 pm, reports Blikk. Areas of Óbuda and Csepel will also be designated as paid zones from June 1 following complaints from residents about commuters clogging their streets by leaving their cars in free areas. The problem highlights a lack of park and ride facilities in the city.

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