Angela Kutasiewicz
400,000 cars drive around Chisinau every day, although the optimal number should be a maximum of 90,000. A new normative act sets prices for parking in public areas, while city planners argue that the only solution is to limit the use of private cars.
“City Hall has no land for new parking lots. The only solution it can offer is to use the roadsides for this purpose. There are zero places for new parking lots in the city center,” says city planner Victor Chironda.
Nevertheless, the draft law initiated by MP Angela Cutasevici, former vice-mayor of Chisinau, establishes general principles regarding parking, such as pricing depending on the area, type of car and duration of parking.
“Many families have purchased a second car for protection and safety. Another incentive was the announcement of the introduction of 20% VAT on car imports starting from 2026 (later this measure was postponed – ed.),” Angela Cutasevici explains her initiative.
The bill she proposed will replace the old 1998 regulation and provide local authorities with a modern tool for parking management.
“The law aims to regulate basic concepts – parking, parking spaces, parking for residents, taxes, tariffs, and also establishes the roles of local authorities: how they plan, how they issue permits, how they approve rules and disciplinary measures,” Angela Kutasevich explains.
The MP clarifies that the law does not promise parking spaces for everyone, as it is impossible. “We will not be able to realistically provide parking for 400,000 cars,” she says, adding that the project only creates the necessary basis for public and private investment.
“Public spaces must be managed in an orderly and efficient manner. Paid parking is not an additional fee, but a mechanism that makes the city safer, more comfortable and organized,” the deputy said.
The bill does not set tariffs, but only general principles: parking will be more expensive in the central districts, cheaper in the suburbs, and prices will depend on the type of car and the duration of parking.
“It is important that the private sector is also involved in the process,” Cutasevici emphasizes.
“I hope that we can find a common denominator in the issue of parking lots as well. Because today there is no normative base, norm, law or several laws to put in order, to organize the parking system. And it is not only for Chisinau. It is not for Moldova, for other cities, for all,” said the capital’s Mayor General Ion Ceban.
In Chisinau there are currently 88 private paid parking lots with a total capacity of 11,000 spaces. But compared to the existing number of cars, they cannot influence the situation in any way.
