New parking regulations in Schwabing: residents go into battle!

New parking regulations in Schwabing: residents go into battle!

Something is happening on Mainzer Straße in Munich! From September 8, 2025, drivers will only be allowed to park here with a special permit for the parking license area. This new regulation was presented by the Mobility Department (MOR) and unanimously approved by the Schwabing-Freimann district committee. The signs announcing the new parking concept will be installed by the end of September. This measure aims to enable residents-only parking between Rheinstrasse and Hörwarthstrasse in order to improve the parking situation for residents. This regulation applies on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 11 p.m., which could affect daily traffic flow in the area.

But the joy about the new regulations is somewhat clouded by the construction work involved. Residents are concerned about the noticeable loss of parking spaces, as the renovation plans for Rheinstrasse also include a reduction from 117 parking spaces to just 26. The aim of these measures is to create wider cycle paths and plant 23 new trees, which is in line with the city's environmental policy. But some residents are critical of this: entrepreneur Walter Orterer, for example, fears that fewer parking spaces could have a serious impact on the sales of his beverage store.()

The discussion about parking spaces in Schwabing is not just a local issue. It reflects a larger urban effort to increase the quality of life in Munich's districts while at the same time ensuring safety, especially for children on their way to school. The project, which is part of the widening of sidewalks and cycle paths on Rheinstrasse, aims to make intersections safer. However, residents like Armand Presser say their realities are often ignored in such projects, leading to tensions within the neighborhood.()

Where is the space for cars?

So far, a total of 1,105 parking spaces have been reallocated in Munich since the end of 2020. The coalition agreement states that 500 parking spaces are to be reallocated every year. The temporary removal of parking spaces has already been implemented in pilot projects in Giesing and in the Au in order to create more car-friendly neighborhoods. In Giesing, for example, 30 parking spaces will be eliminated, while 40 parking spaces for residents will be created.()

The city has also launched initiatives such as the “2000 parking spaces program” to improve the parking situation for residents. Locations for the construction of residents' garages are examined and private investors can be supported to create new parking spaces. This is intended to give residents in busy neighborhoods more space and improve the surrounding area - a good deal for the city, but at what cost for the residents?()

The upcoming changes are not only a challenge for drivers, but also an opportunity for the city to find a balance between mobility and quality of life. The coming weeks will show how the new regulations on Mainzer Strasse are received by residents and whether resistance to the renovations can ultimately influence the city plans.()