Sidewalk parking in Bogenhausen: application rejected – what does that mean?

Sidewalk parking in Bogenhausen: application rejected – what does that mean?

The city of Munich will not allow sidewalk parking on Newtonstrasse (between Wehrlestrasse and Donaustrasse) for the time being. The city council decided this on October 28, 2025. The motion, supported by Robert Brannekämper (CSU) and city councilor Jens Luther, was rejected with 19 votes to 11. The background to the rejection is concerns about road safety and the parking situation, as the police are taking action against unauthorized sidewalk parking. This could lead to a significant loss of over half of the parking spaces in the area and increase parking pressure - especially because the adjacent streets are already heavily used. In the worst case, this could lead to an even higher search for parking spaces.

Although the road section has a total width of around 12.80 meters, with a roadway of 5.90 meters and sidewalks of 3.40 to 3.50 meters, the Greens and the SPD viewed the security situation as critical. Jens Luther tried to convince other factions that the sidewalks would still provide enough space for pedestrians. In particular, the low curbs of around 6 to 7 cm could speak for gradual sidewalk parking.

Current regulations in transport policy

The decision in Munich comes in the context of a broader debate about sidewalk parking, which has also occupied the Federal Council. Only recently did it approve a reform that, among other things, introduced new regulations on sidewalk parking. These changes could change the situation in cities by theoretically making sidewalk parking easier, but this contradicts the Munich decision. The Federal Council has rejected Bremen's request to make illegal parking on sidewalks easier, which makes the regulations complex and could potentially lead to legal disputes. A principle that emphasized the needs of non-motorized road users and people with disabilities has been removed from this regulation.

The new regulations for assessing unobstructed traffic remain unclear and may lead to confusion. The old regulations were still aimed at at least 2.5 meters of space for pedestrians. The measures initiated by transport policy aim to promote walking and cycling and, under certain circumstances, to reduce car traffic.

What is behind the rejection?

Concerns about pedestrian safety and the high traffic density on Newton Street are significant. The mobility department pointed out that although sidewalk parking could be permitted with appropriate floor markings, it should not be without consequences for pedestrians. A clear warning to city councils and citizens to weigh up the benefits of sidewalk parking in the city center.

These topics are the focus of an ongoing discussion about mobility in Munich and the necessary measures to improve our transport planning. What is certain is that this step is important for both residents and all road users.