Expansion of paid parking

Zone 1 includes densely populated urban areas within a radius of approximately 300 metres from the city centre. Zone 2 begins at the boundary of Zone 1 and extends approximately 600 meters from the city centre In the future, a higher parking fine of EUR 80 will also apply to Zone 1, if the Ministry of the Interior approves the proposal submitted by the City Board on 12 January 2026/§9. The preliminary location of the zones is shown in Figure 1. 

The price increase came into effect already in early 2026, when parking fees were increased to EUR 3.5 /hour for Zone 1 and EUR 2.5 / hour for Zone 2. The City of Espoo estimates that this will generate EUR 2.5 million in additional revenue this year and EUR 4.5 million in the following years. Paid parking will be in effect from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays as well inside Zone 1.

Efforts have been made to exclude streets in areas containing single-family homes from the zones. Continued efforts will be made to ensure free parking near sports facilities. The prices for park-and-ride facilities will remain unchanged. Carpool vehicles operated by parties licenced by the city may continue to park free of charge. However, there will be no need to indicate that the service is free of charge with an additional sign. Paid parking is not proposed for disabled parking spaces or spaces reserved for short-term parking. Regional centres in particular have plenty of parking space available in parking facilities not covered by the expansion of paid parking.

After the City Board has approved the principles for paid parking during its meeting, detailed plans that include traffic signs will be prepared. Paid parking will come into effect gradually as traffic signs are installed. The estimate timeline is during the summer and autumn of 2026.

Maps of the new parking zones’ locations are attached.