Jerusalem Raises Municipal Parking Fees by 22% Amid Infrastructure Upgrades

The Jerusalem Municipality has increased parking fees at city-operated lots managed by Eden company by approximately 22%, effective Tuesday. Parking in the city center will rise from 18 to 22 shekels, while other city areas will see a price increase from 12 to 15 shekels. The Talpiot area remains unchanged at 12 shekels to accommodate visitors and workers amid ongoing extensive infrastructure and development works.

Jerusalem residents will continue to receive a 20% discount under the "Yerushalmi" benefit, but this discount applies only to the new, higher prices. The municipality stated that the price hike aims to regulate demand in city centers, encourage public transportation use, especially the light rail, and address rising operational costs while maintaining resident benefits.

This move follows a similar 20% parking fee increase announced recently by Tel Aviv for non-residents at its city lots. Both hikes come in the wake of the controversial parking law enacted in December 2023, which mandated per-minute parking pricing from the first minute, causing nationwide price surges. Although there was broad agreement to repeal this law, political disagreements delayed the vote, linked to metropolitan authority legislation opposed by ultra-Orthodox parties over Sabbath public transport concerns.

With the government committed to repealing the law, many parking operators initially awaited the change patiently. However, rising operational costs and stalled legislative action have led to increased parking fees, burdening customers with steep charges.