Copenhagen’s parking policy has become a focal point of contention as Pernille Rosenkrantz-Theil of the Social Democrats appears to reverse her stance on parking in the city. This shift has drawn criticism, particularly regarding the potential financial burden on Copenhagen’s citizens.

Alexander Ryle, a leading candidate for Liberal Alliance in the upcoming municipal elections, has voiced concerns about the economic implications of Rosenkrantz-Theil’s proposal to create new parking spaces. Ryle suggests that the plan, which involves the municipality renting parking spaces from private companies and the state, could cost taxpayers hundreds of millions of Danish Krone annually.

Ryle estimates the cost could range from DKK 700 million to DKK 1.4 billion per year, questioning whether this is the best use of public funds. He argues that there are better ways to allocate the municipality’s resources, such as improving elder care or increasing the number of educators.

He contrasts the current situation, where resident parking permits are priced similarly to streaming subscriptions, with a vision where parking prices reflect the true value of street space. Ryle believes that realistic pricing would naturally increase parking availability as some residents choose alternative transportation methods like shared cars or bicycles.

Ryle envisions a Copenhagen where human life takes precedence over cars, with vibrant streets filled with cafes, children playing, and people connecting, rather than being dominated by tightly packed vehicles. He urges the Social Democrats to reconsider their approach and prioritize a city where cars take up less space and parking costs reflect reality.