The Knesset Economic Affairs Committee, chaired by MK David Bitan, approved a bill for second and third readings to repeal the so-called “parking lots law,” which took effect about seven months ago and drew heavy criticism from drivers and parking-lot owners.
Under the proposed amendment, private parking lots would return to the previous billing system, charging for a full first hour and then in 15-minute increments. The original law was meant to help short-term parkers by billing by the minute instead of by the hour.
In practice, many parking operators raised their prices to offset lost revenue, and drivers who stayed longer often ended up paying much more. In response to those higher costs and the public backlash, lawmakers are now pushing to restore the old model.
Even if the repeal is finally approved by the full Knesset, industry sources say that does not guarantee parking prices will fall automatically. The approved wording says the change will take effect four months after publication in the official gazette, giving operators time to adjust. Committee members stressed that the law regulates billing only, not price caps, so final parking fees will still be set by owners in a competitive market.
