Bruges to amend parking regulations following court ruling

The city of Bruges is updating its parking regulations following a ruling by the Court of Cassation. Under the new rules, motorists who encounter a defective parking meter will be permitted to use a blue parking disc instead of being forced to find an alternative payment method.

Previously, Bruges city regulations required drivers to seek other payment options, such as mobile payments or nearby functioning meters, before resorting to a blue disc. Mayor Dirk De fauw confirmed during a city council meeting that local rules must be aligned with the recent judicial precedent.

Parking enforcement officers have already been instructed to stop issuing fines based on the previous requirement. The formal amendment to the parking regulations is expected to be presented to the city council in November. This change coincides with a new parking policy and the planned installation of new parking meters in February 2027.

Regarding past fines, the mayor noted that motorists who paid penalties due to defective meters will not receive automatic refunds. Instead, they must personally request a reimbursement and provide proof that the meter was malfunctioning and that a blue parking disc was in use.