Overview

• Regional consumer centers report increasing cases nationwide, including 127 submissions in Rhineland-Palatinate by early August 2025 versus 109 in all of 2024.
• Most grievances involve barrierless lots using license-plate recognition, with drivers citing unclear signage and contractual penalties that follow even after a machine showed “0 euros,” such as later demands of about €47 for overstaying a free period.
• Contesting charges is often hampered by pay stations that issue no receipts and by manual license-plate entry errors; advocates also flag early use of debt collection that can drive costs into triple digits.
• Major operators including Mobility Hub, Park & Control and Wemolo reject the criticism, citing 99.5–99.8% error-free transactions, documented violations and occasional goodwill adjustments.
• Supermarket chains such as Lidl, Aldi Nord and Kaufland say they do not profit from penalties and have revised contracts or ended ties with some vendors, while consumer centers urge motorists to keep receipts and photos and seek advice when disputing demands.