The Committee on Regional Policy, Public Works and Local Self-Government at the National Assembly rejected on first reading a bill that proposed capping "reserved subscription" spaces in paid parking zones at no more than 10 percent of all parking spots in a given zone. The proposal was submitted by MP Yordan Ivanov together with colleagues from the "Democratic Bulgaria" parliamentary group on April 30, 2026.
In the committee vote, the bill received only 3 votes in favor, none against, while 17 MPs abstained. As a result, the provisions failed on first reading.
In their explanatory notes, the sponsors said the current law sets no limit whatsoever on the number of reserved subscription spaces — each municipality decides on its own, leading to disparities between cities. According to them, the lack of a uniform rule allows some zones to set aside too many reserved spots at the expense of spaces available to the public. The problem is especially acute in large cities and busy districts, where parking spaces are already scarce.
That is why the lawmakers proposed that reserved subscription spaces should not exceed 10 percent of all parking spots in a given zone, district, road or section thereof. If the result is a fraction, it would be rounded up. The sponsors explained that the goal is to have the same rule apply to all municipalities, balancing the interests of residents with the needs of state and municipal institutions, businesses and others who use such spaces. They expected the cap to make it easier to find a free spot, particularly in areas where the shortage is a chronic issue.
Silvia Georgieva, executive director of the National Association of Municipalities in the Republic of Bulgaria, spoke out against the idea. She argued that the proposal is disproportionate and encroaches on powers that should remain with local authorities. The association proposed that, instead of a fixed threshold set in the law, each municipal council should determine by ordinance a limit on the number of reserved spaces tailored to the needs of its own city. Georgieva also said the 10 percent threshold in the bill is too high.