Poznań’s e-parking patrols have officially hit the streets, bringing a high-tech upgrade to parking enforcement. These specially equipped cars, fitted with cameras and sensors, automatically check if vehicles in paid parking zones have a valid ticket. This innovative system is designed to boost efficiency, ensure fair parking practices, and modernise how the city manages its streets. Here’s everything you need to know about how it works and what it means for Poznań’s drivers.
Technology meets parking enforcement
Starting 3rd March 2025, special vehicles fitted with high-tech cameras and sensors will be driving around Poznań’s paid parking zones. These smart patrol cars automatically scan the registration plates of parked vehicles and cross-check them against the parking payment database. If a car is found without a valid ticket, the system flags it for further verification.
The e-parking patrols initiative isn’t entirely new in Poland – cities like Warsaw, Wrocław, Gdynia, and Szczecin have already implemented similar solutions. However, in Poznań, authorities are making it clear: these high-tech vehicles won’t replace human inspectors. Traditional foot patrols will continue alongside the new system.
This is another step in modernising Poznań’s parking zone. While the new e-control system will improve efficiency, we are not eliminating manual inspections. It’s about making the system more reliable and ensuring fair play for all drivers.
said Mayor Jacek Jaśkowiak.
How does the e-control system work?
Two vehicles have already started operating in Poznań, with plans to expand the fleet to five or six in the near future. These e-parking patrols cars will cover key areas, including Wilda, Łazarz, Stare Miasto, Śródka, Zagórze, and the area around Poznań University of Technology.
Here’s how the e-parking patrols system functions:
- The patrol cars drive through the paid parking zone twice – with at least five minutes between scans – to allow drivers time to purchase a ticket.
- Registration plates are automatically scanned and checked in real-time against payments made via ticket machines, mobile apps, or banking apps.
- If no payment is found, the system flags the vehicle and sends the data to the Paid Parking Zone Office for final verification.
- If a violation is confirmed, the owner receives a fine notification by post.
Drivers who fail to pay for parking face a fine of 200 PLN if paid within 14 days. If not settled within that period, the fine increases to 350 PLN. To make things easier, drivers can check their parking status and pay any fines online via strefa.zdm.poznan.pl.
Why is this system being introduced?
The e-parking patrols system isn’t just about catching those who skip parking fees – it’s part of a broader effort to make parking in Poznań fairer and more efficient.
Over the past 32 years, Poznań’s Paid Parking Zone has expanded significantly. Originally limited to the city centre, it now includes districts like Wilda, Łazarz, Ostrów Tumski, Śródka, Zagórze, and the university area. More neighbourhoods, such as Ogrody and Górczyn, are considering joining the system.
To prepare for the e-parking patrols rollout, Poznań replaced 249 outdated parking meters with modern machines that accept contactless card payments and BLIK. By September, Jeżyce will also get upgraded parking meters, making e-control possible throughout the entire paid parking zone.
This system allows us to optimise resources and improve efficiency. With a parking zone this large, it’s difficult to rely solely on human inspectors. Technology helps ensure the system is fair for all drivers.
explained Deputy Mayor Mariusz Wiśniewski.
A financial incentive for local taxpayers
There’s also good news for Poznań residents who pay their taxes locally. From 1 September, a new two-tier pricing system will be introduced in the paid parking zones. Drivers who file their PIT tax return in Poznań will pay significantly lower parking fees compared to those who don’t.
The savings are substantial. A driver who parks in the city centre twice a week for three hours currently pays around 268 PLN per month. After the change, those who pay taxes in Poznań will save almost 57 PLN per month, reducing the cost to just over 211 PLN.
This is our way of saying thank you to those who contribute to Poznań’s development. Local taxpayers will benefit from lower parking fees and discounted public transport.
said Mayor Jaśkowiak.
Why should you register your tax in Poznań?
Beyond the parking discounts, filing taxes in Poznań has a direct impact on the city’s budget. Each taxpayer contributes funds that go towards improving infrastructure, public transport, green spaces, schools, and community services.
For example, if just 10,000 more people register their taxes in Poznań, the city will gain an extra 55 million PLN per year. That’s enough to build four new preschools, 34 km of bike lanes, or purchase 15 hydrogen-powered buses. It could also mean planting 27,000 trees, installing 5,500 streetlights, or creating 80,000 square metres of new pavements.
Final thoughts
The introduction of e-parking patrols marks a major shift in how Poznań manages its parking system. While some drivers might be sceptical about increased surveillance, the goal is clear – to ensure a fair, efficient, and modern parking experience for everyone.
If you’re a Poznań resident, consider registering your tax locally. Not only will you save on parking, but you’ll also contribute to making Poznań an even better place to live.
