Mobility Strategies in Aachen: Parking Pressure, P+R, and a Multimodal Future

Parking Pressure, P+R, and the Future of Mobility in Aachen

Mobility in Aachen is facing a pivotal turning point in January 2026. Over the past few years, the city has clearly committed to promoting public transport and reducing car traffic. However, reality shows that implementation is not without obstacles. Particularly parking-related issues, such as the use of the parking lot at Hangeweiher or the future of Bendplatz, reflect the tensions between urban planning, infrastructure, and citizens' needs.

Hangeweiher: Between Parking Pressure and Multimodal Mobility

The parking lot at Hangeweiher is a central topic in Aachen's mobility policy. With approximately 120 parking spaces, it mainly serves as a Park+Ride (P+R) connection to the public swimming pool. Since 2020, it has been designated as such, but the introduction of the resident parking zone U in 2024 has led to displacement effects – and thus increased pressure on this parking area.

In the 2025 swimming season, the P+R function was completely suspended because parking time was limited to four hours. At the same time, the roof of the parking lot requires renovation – a challenge that needs to be addressed on multiple levels. The municipal department advocates for the construction of a parking structure or parking garage to relieve parking pressure and strengthen multimodal mobility.

However, the project faces spatial and planning constraints: the site is designated as green space in the land use plan and lies within a cool air corridor of the urban climate. A parking structure could affect this function. Therefore, the administration recommends first implementing planned improvements – such as better lighting and occupancy detection – and simultaneously assessing the impact of a parking structure on the urban climate.

Bendplatz: From Parking Lot to Event Venue

Another central parking location in Aachen is Bendplatz. Since 2011, it has been offered as a paid parking lot on non-event days. However, demand has significantly declined since 2022 – suggesting changes in mobility behavior.

The city is currently evaluating four options for the future of Bendplatz, including the complete cessation of parking offers outside of events. A priority lies in flexible use for cultural and sporting events. In addition, a tender is planned for private parking management companies, indicating a move toward greater commercialization.

The investment costs for renewing the barrier system amount to approximately 50,000 euros – a sum that must be carefully weighed in the current budget situation.

Mobility Poverty and Public Transport Improvements

Another key issue is the fight against mobility poverty. The SPD faction submitted a motion to the city council as early as 2021, which was presented for information and adoption in January 2026. The goal is to strengthen public transport and sharing services to provide better transport connections for people without a car.

These initiatives are part of a broader trend in Aachen, moving away from a car-dominated transport system toward a multimodal mobility model. Although the planned mobility committee meeting in January 2026 had to be canceled, discussions on new markings, P+R shuttles, and other measures show how intensively the city is working on the transport transition.

Conclusion: Balancing Planning and Practice

Aachen is on an exciting path of mobility transformation in 2026. Parking pressure, spatial constraints, and the implementation of multimodal concepts are central challenges. The discussions surrounding Hangeweiher, Bendplatz, and public transport improvements show how complex the balance between planning, infrastructure, and citizens' needs can be.

The coming months will be decisive – not only for specific projects but also for the long-term orientation of Aachen's transport policy. The city has the opportunity to become a model – but this requires courage, coordination, and clear priorities.