Vitaly Milonov, a deputy from the State Duma, addressed Denis Manturov, the Minister of Industry and Trade, with a proposal that would redefine how parking payments are handled. The main idea is to introduce a deferral window, allowing drivers to settle their parking fees by midnight of the same day the service was used, rather than needing to pay immediately after parking. This suggestion was reported by RT.
Many responsible drivers miss the payment deadline for reasons as varied as busy schedules, misplacing reminders, or simply prioritizing other urgent tasks. In practice, penalties for these late payments can be severe, and the impact is felt more acutely in major cities like Moscow and St. Petersburg, where fines tend to be higher and the financial strain on residents is noticeable. The aim of a deferral policy is to reduce unnecessary financial stress and to provide a clearer, less punitive experience for drivers who otherwise comply with the parking rules. RT has highlighted these concerns as part of the ongoing discussion.
The regional administration has expressed that adopting a late-fee deferral model could be timely, aligning parking policy with the realities of daily life for motorists who juggle multiple tasks and responsibilities throughout the day. The suggested approach would let car owners wait until the end of the day to settle charges, instead of confronting an immediate payment obligation once the parking service has started. This adjustment is framed as a practical step to ease the mental burden associated with parking in busy urban areas. RT notes that the current system often requires payment within a narrow five-minute window in city car parks, a constraint that some drivers find impractical or stressful.
Proponents argue that a midnight settlement deadline would streamline enforcement and foster a more predictable experience for drivers, potentially reducing disputes over timing and penalties. Critics, meanwhile, may raise concerns about revenue timing and administrative logistics, but advocates emphasize fairness and user convenience. The conversation around this proposal reflects broader conversations about urban mobility, enforcement fairness, and how governments can balance the needs of residents with the demands of efficient city management. RT covers these perspectives as the debate continues.