Topical Tidbits: "Morning Brief - Bergisch Gladbach Parking Machine Saga"
Shopkeepers Petition for Cashless Parking Spaces
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The Association of Retailers in Bergisch Gladbach voices their support for eliminating cash payments at city parking machines. This could be made possible through mobile apps or card functions in these machines.
This stance comes in the midst of the ongoing discussionabout the future of parking machines. The Association of United Interests Bergisch Gladbach has made it clear that this shift could bring savings of around €90,000 and simplify the payment process with precise, minute-by-minute billing. However, they suggest that abolishing machines completely might not be feasible, as not all shoppers visiting Bergisch Gladbach may be willing to use an app. Therefore, they propose the inclusion of a function for EC, Giro, or credit cards.
The initial proposal from the city administration involving card functions failed in the Infrastructure, Environment, Security, and Order Committee. After a chaotic debate, the committee, mostly consisting of the Greens, SPD, and FWG, opted for the complete abolition of parking machines.
The Association of Retailers has not mentioned the Greens, SPD, and FWG's proposal to enable cash payment through "pickerls" - a system based on the Vienna model. It's unclear whether the retail trade is not receptive to this idea, as the three factions expressed their hope to distribute these coupon books via retail outlets. Recently, the FWG has expressed support for machines with a card function, aligning with the Association of Retailers.
The controversial discussions in the committee have left the retail trade puzzled, the association notes. They now await a forward-thinking, economical, and future-oriented decision on cashless parking on municipal parking lots during one of the forthcoming council meetings.
Further Insights:
The city of Bergisch Gladbach has yet to make a public statement regarding their stance on the demise of cash payments at municipal parking machines. It's advisable to contact the city administration directly or visit their official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on this matter. Additionally, it is noteworthy to mention that other factors, such as accessibility and inclusivity, may play a significant role in discussions surrounding the implementation of cashless parking systems.
In the ongoing discussion about the future of parking machines in Bergisch Gladbach, the Association of Retailers suggests that integrating card functions into parking machines could potentially save €90,000 and simplify the payment process, demonstrating a role for finance and technology in the proposed shift. Meanwhile, the city council, represented by the Greens, SPD, and FWG, has proposed a complete abolition of parking machines, suggesting a potential tension between business interests and technological innovations.
