In Moscow, a shift in downtown parking prices is anticipated as city officials review the cost structure for paid parking. This update comes after comments from Maxim Liksutov, deputy mayor, in an interview with Moscow 24 where he explained the ongoing adjustments and the logic behind them.
The city’s approach to parking fees remains focused on a clear rulebook established by the Moscow City Hall in 2013. Under that framework, pricing changes are tied to how crowded a street is. When occupancy on a particular road reaches 85 percent or higher, the rate is nudged upward to reflect heavier use and demand. Conversely, less congested streets may see lower rates to encourage turnover and ease of access. This rule shapes the annual assessment of all paid parking spaces and guides decisions on whether to raise or reduce fees across the network.
Liksutov clarified that at year’s end, authorities will evaluate every paid parking location against the occupancy threshold. If streets meet or exceed the 85 percent mark with a sustained surplus, prices will rise. However, the plan ensures there is a ceiling: the maximum hourly rate will not climb beyond the established cap of 450 rubles. This provision is meant to balance revenue needs with the goal of keeping parking affordable for daily users. In lower-traffic areas, price adjustments may go in the opposite direction, lowering costs to reflect lighter demand and to support local mobility.
The deputy mayor emphasized that traffic levels directly influence pricing decisions. Streets with lower activity are considered for enrollment in cheaper fare categories, while high-traffic corridors may see incremental increases within the allowed maximum. The city aims to maintain an orderly, predictable pricing system that rewards efficient use of space without placing an undue burden on drivers who rely on parking in residential or commercial districts.
Authorities also announced a temporary policy for a nearby holiday period. On November 4 and 5, parking will be free across all streets, including those normally subject to higher rates. Beginning on November 6, parking lots return to a Sunday-rate schedule, with free parking available on most streets except those governed by fixed price points of 380 rubles or 450 rubles per hour. In contrast, barrier-controlled parking remains a paid service every day.
The policy framework reflects a broader goal: to align parking pricing with real-time demand while preserving accessibility for residents, shoppers, and visitors. By communicating the occupancy threshold and the rate cap clearly, city planners seek to minimize confusion and promote efficient use of curb space. Observers note that the system rewards streets that can sustain lower occupancy through targeted price adjustments, potentially easing traffic pressures in central areas.
As the year progresses, operators and residents alike will watch how the 85 percent benchmark interacts with seasonal fluctuations, events, and broader mobility initiatives. The city’s approach seeks to balance revenue generation with mobility performance, ensuring that central districts remain navigable and welcoming. While price changes may feel incremental, their cumulative effect is intended to shape driving patterns in a way that improves street life, reduces congestion, and supports safer, more predictable parking experiences for all users.