Criticism from AK Tirol

Parking violations a “business model” for some

Beware, anyone who "overlooks" such a sign is often asked to pay by professional cashiers.(Bild: motorradcbr)

Professional monitoring companies are increasingly taking over the "supervision" of parking spaces in Tyrol. It is not uncommon for the drivers concerned to receive high payment demands. The Tyrolean Chamber of Labour (AK) criticizes these methods.

Companies such as Zupfdi, Parkdepot or Avantpark specialize in monitoring various parking areas. Recently, they have even been commissioned by municipalities, as the Tyrolean Chamber of Labor knows after numerous inquiries from affected drivers.

Refueling took too long - penalty
"This business concept continues to develop," criticizes AK President Erwin Zangerl. One example is a demand for payment of 80 euros for parking at a self-service filling station for 16 minutes, even though the consumer had filled up his car during this time.

Swimming pool parking lot in Wattens as an example
Now this "business model" is expanding to public parking areas, says the AK. At the Wattens municipal swimming pool parking lot, for example, people are confronted with demands from the company Avantpark (65 euros) if an infringement is recorded electronically.

It is alarming that municipalities support such companies to make profits from parking violations by citizens

Tirols AK-Präsident Erwin Zangerl

Who benefits from fines?
Zangerl comments: "It is questionable that municipalities are supporting such companies to make profits from parking violations by citizens." The demand of 65 euros is made up of 40% costs for owner queries and 60% from processing fees and increased usage fees.

According to AK research, Avantpark has two employees in Austria and is a subsidiary of a British company. The AK demands transparency in profits/revenues, at least the municipality must benefit.