The Public Citizen’s Rights Office has filed a detailed list of complaints over paid parking zones, prompting the Ministry of Infrastructure to review and potentially amend related regulations.
RPO Presents Complaint Catalogue
The Public Citizen’s Rights Office released a catalog compiling the most frequent grievances concerning paid parking zones and suburban paid parking zones, as well as proposed changes to the Road Public Act. The catalog highlights issues such as high fixed penalties, lack of immediate notification of fees, risk of large cumulative debts, digital exclusion for older users, and excessive data requests.
June 11 Letter Calls for Clearer Rules
In a letter dated 11 June 2025, RPO urged the Ministry of Infrastructure to clarify vague provisions that disadvantage citizens. Key complaints included 200–300 zł per violation, no real‑time notifications, debts reaching tens of thousands of zloty, mandatory use of a mobile app, and demanding annual bank statements for debt waivers.
Ministry Explains Current Framework
Responding in a 14 October 2025 letter, the ministry cited Article 13 f of the Road Public Act, stating local councils set and collect additional fees capped at 10 % of the minimum wage. The fee is a public‑law debt that does not require a separate administrative decision, and the ministry referenced 2018 court decisions that replaced the former 50 zł cap.
Proposed Amendments: Fees, Notification, Complaints
RPO suggested setting a maximum fee relative to the parking charge, mandating instant notification of new fees, creating a simple complaint or appeal process, limiting excessive data requisitions, and ensuring solutions accessible to digitally excluded individuals.
Ministry Acknowledges Digital Exclusion and Data Issues
The ministry noted that local ordinances provide alternative payment methods beyond the mobile app and that cases of app‑based extensions are sporadic, not warranting statutory changes. It also highlighted the right to evaluate evidence freely, allowing other documents besides annual bank statements.
RPO Highlights Expected Outcomes
RPO believes the ministry’s consideration of immediate notification obligations and complaint rights will eliminate major citizen complaints, while the proposed fee limits will align penalties with constitutional principles of proportionality and individual responsibility.
