Since the introduction of the post-parking package (FPS), known as parking fines, French motorists have faced fines that far exceed the traditional fines of €17 before the state entrusted parking management to municipalities.
The amount is determined by the municipalities, as are the schedules, and as we have recently explained to you in our columns, sometimes we come across conditions that are, to say the least, strange.
A billion for the state?
As François Tarrin, deputy editor-in-chief of Auto Plus magazine reported in issue 1837, the national average FPS is €27, with some municipalities choosing to introduce much higher rates, reaching 75 euros, as in the capital.
This price variation extends even to different parking zones within the same municipality, with variations depending on the duration of parking, the area occupied by the vehicle, or even the expected pollution impact.
At the same time, the number of distributed FPS has increased significantly over the last year, for a total of 12.8 million fines. This figure may increase further in the coming months, indicating significant revenues for the state and municipalities.
According to the figures published by Auto Plus magazine, we estimate that these FPS can generate at least 825 million euros, to which enlarged packages are added. More than five million of these enlarged parcels were sent, making a total of one billion euros collected by the state.
New technologies for even more fines
Cities are stepping up their ingenuity to further punish violators, particularly through the increasing presence of radar cars circulating the streets.
In Paris alone, 35 to 40 such cars operate in all districts. This ‘PV sulphator’ can control up to 1,500 cars per hour, a task no human can do.
Apparently, faced with this significant financial windfall, some municipalities that initially introduced free parking for clean vehicles are already turning back.
Read also:
Speed cameras: anyone who does will pay a fine of €1,500
ZFE radars: how to spot them accurately?
Radar cars: how to recognize them and where do they go?
Source: Auto Plus
Robert is an experienced journalist who has been covering the automobile industry for over a decade. He has a deep understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the industry and is known for his thorough and in-depth reporting.