A political majority in Køge Municipality (Greater Copenhagen Area) is set to introduce two hours of free parking on all municipal parking spaces in Køge’s town centre, marking a significant shift in local parking policy after months of public debate.
The announcement was made by Mayor Ken Kristensen (Venstre) in a post on Facebook, where he confirmed that the proposal is expected to be formally adopted on March 24. If approved as planned, the new rules will take effect on June 1, 2026.
Parking rules sparked debate
Parking regulations in Køge have been a contentious issue since last autumn. Danish regional broadcaster TV 2 Kosmopol previously reported on widespread dissatisfaction and confusion surrounding the municipality’s parking system.
The topic also became a focal point during the municipal election campaign and led to a public meeting later in the year, highlighting the extent of local engagement and frustration.
A large-scale survey conducted by the municipality, with nearly 10,000 respondents, underscored the complexity of the issue. Around 40 percent of participants described the parking rules as either “difficult to understand” or “very difficult to understand.”
The introduction of two hours of free parking appears to be a direct response to that feedback. The measure is intended to simplify the system, improve accessibility to the town centre, and potentially strengthen local retail and business activity.
Implementation Timeline
The proposal is scheduled for final political approval on March 24. Provided it passes, drivers will be able to park free of charge for up to two hours on municipal parking spaces in Køge Midtby starting June 1, 2026.
The decision represents a notable policy adjustment for the municipality and signals an effort to balance urban accessibility, commercial vitality, and administrative clarity in one of Zealand’s key local centres.
