Antwerp (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – From October 1, 2025, Antwerp enforces new parking rules near AFAS Dome, Lotto Arena, Antwerp Expo, and the Dam district. Residents park free; visitors pay. Gert Mercelis, locals, and businesses oppose the 2-hour limit.
As VRT News reported, from October 1, 2025, Antwerp will introduce new parking rules in the areas around the AFAS Dome, the Lotto Arena, the Antwerp Expo, and the Dam district. The city says the changes are needed because these neighbourhoods have faced heavy traffic and parking pressure for years during concerts, fairs, and other events.
Residents with a parking permit will still be allowed to park for free and without restrictions. Visitors must now register their parking session and pay. In the Dam area, the rate is €1.20 for the first hour and €1.60 for each following hour, with charges applied from 9 a.m. until midnight. Around the AFAS Dome and Antwerp Expo, the first 2 hours remain free if a parking session is registered, after which the fee is €0.80 per hour.
What are Antwerp businesses and residents saying about new parking rules near AFAS Dome?
The new rules also include strict time limits that affect visitors. On weekdays after 6 p.m., and on weekends and public holidays between 9 a.m. and midnight, parking is limited to a maximum of 2 hours per session. After that, drivers must wait one full hour before they can start a new session.
“I suspect a lot of customers will leave,”
says Gert Mercelis. He runs the Wall Street climbing gym near the AFAS Dome.
“Most people easily come here to climb for three hours, but starting October 1st, that won’t be possible without a parking fine.”
Residents and businesses support the idea that visitors now have to pay, but concerns remain over the 2-hour cap.
“Many of our customers come to climb for more than 3 hours, but that will no longer be possible.”
Gert Mercelis, climbing gym Wallstreet
The new parking rules in Van Nevelestraat are raising strong concerns among local businesses and residents. The climbing gym on the street warns that the 2-hour limit could affect its income because most customers stay longer.
“We hope the city will eventually come up with alternatives,”
said Mercelis. Residents have started a petition asking the city to change the rules, and more than 200 people have already signed.
“We’re happy that something is finally being done about parking problems, but not like this,”
says Steven De Winter, one of the petition’s initiators.
“When we have a family party, our guests are forced to drive their cars far out of the neighbourhood. An hour later, they can register again, but who does that? After two hours, every family party will be over.”
A funeral director in the street has also added his name, fearing that families will not attend services if they cannot park for long enough. Residents point out that healthcare workers often visit the street as well, and their work takes more than 2 hours.
“Some come by bike, but those who travel from further away — where are they supposed to go after two hours?”
asked resident Angelique.
The city says the changes are meant to reduce congestion and direct visitors to public transport and Park & Ride facilities on the edge of Antwerp.
“We use them regularly ourselves, but it’s just not possible for everyone,”
says Charlotte, who also lives on Van Nevelestraat.
“Many family members and caregivers come from further afield. You can’t just put our grandparents on a bike or tram. It’s not that accessible.”
Mobility Councillor Koen Kennis (N-VA) has already met residents and local businesses to discuss the complaints. While no final decision has been made on proposed adjustments, one consideration is a visitor pass model similar to that currently implemented in the historic centre. Such a pass would allow residents and businesses to welcome guests who need more time to park.
“Unfortunately, not everything can be resolved,”
said Alderman Kennis.
“We are working to provide the most livable parking policy possible for our residents.”
“We understand their concerns and are looking into whether any adjustments will be made to the new parking regulations,”
Kennis said.
For several years now, Antwerp has been trying to resolve issues with parking around its premier event locations. In 2015, the city drafted a mobility and parking plan for Antwerp Expo with the intent of alleviating traffic around this location.
2 tears later, in 2017, a Low Emission Zone was introduced to the historic centre to control traffic and reduce pollution levels by prohibiting the most harmful vehicles. In August 2023, new regulations in the historic centre came into place, permitting only locals and permit holders to park on the streets.
