Knesset Panel Approves Repeal of Parking Law, but Timing Remains Unclear

The Knesset Economics Committee, led by MK David Bitan, approved for second and third readings a bill to cancel the so-called parking law. If the amendment is ultimately passed, parking lots will again charge for a full first hour, and then in 15-minute increments, instead of billing by the minute. The change would take effect four months after publication in the official gazette, giving operators time to adjust.

The repeal is bundled into legislation creating metropolitan public transport authorities in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa, with a second stage planned for Beersheba. Under that framework, public transport management would move away from central government to a metropolitan council made up of local authority heads who know the needs of the area.

The parking law itself was meant to help drivers who stayed only a short time and had previously been forced to pay for a full hour. In practice, however, many parking operators responded by switching to minute-by-minute pricing, which made longer stays, especially two hours or more, significantly more expensive than before. That led to public complaints and backlash in the press and on social media over what were described as unreasonable parking charges.

The measure still needs final approval in the plenum, and officials say it is unclear when that will happen because of the political situation. Bitan has said he hopes the change will reduce prices, but he also acknowledged that this is not certain, since the law only changes the billing method and does not set a maximum price. Whether fees actually fall will depend on the parking lot owners themselves.