Supreme Court Halts Parking Fee Increases and Expansion in Sofia

Sofia, Bulgaria – The Supreme Administrative Court (SAC) has definitively halted planned increases to parking fees and the expansion of paid parking zones in Sofia, Bulgaria. The ruling, issued on March 24, 2026, upholds a previous decision by the Sofia City Administrative Court and effectively blocks changes that were slated to seize effect on January 5, 2026.

Background of the Dispute

The contested ordinance, adopted at the finish of 2025, proposed significant alterations to the city’s “blue” and “green” parking zones. These included increased fees, extended operating hours, expansion of the zones’ coverage area, the introduction of a “weekend zone” on Saturdays and Sundays and higher prices for residential parking permits.

Court Decisions

On November 27, the Sofia City Administrative Court initially ruled the Sofia Municipal Council’s decision null and void. The city administration subsequently appealed this ruling. Although the Supreme Administrative Court overturned the November 27 ruling at the end of January, it did so on a technicality – the portion of the ordinance detailing the implementation date had not yet arrive into effect. The Sofia City Council then suspended the implementation of the provisions pending a final resolution.

The SAC’s latest decision, announced on March 24, 2026, definitively supports the suspension, preventing the implementation of the planned changes. Bulgarian Telegraph Agency reports that the court found that implementing the provisions posed a risk of significant and difficult-to-remedy damages to the municipality.

Sofia Municipality’s Response

According to BNT News, the Sofia Municipality stated its position on the case remains unchanged. The municipality has indicated that the increased fees and expanded zones will not be introduced until guarantees are in place to ensure that parking revenues are reinvested in neighborhood infrastructure.

Impact and Future Outlook

This ruling maintains the current parking fee structure and zone boundaries in Sofia. The future of parking reform in the city remains uncertain, contingent on the municipality addressing concerns regarding the allocation of parking revenue and potentially revising its proposals to align with the court’s concerns.