Equality Advocate urges Slovenian municipalities to allow cash parking payments

Equality Advocate Miha Lobnik has issued a recommendation to Slovenian municipalities to ensure that parking fee systems do not disproportionately disadvantage certain groups. The recommendation follows complaints regarding parking meters that only accept cards and parking lots accessible exclusively via smartphone applications.

Lobnik notes that under the Discrimination Protection Act, such digital-only requirements may constitute indirect discrimination against elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and those less proficient with advanced technology. He cites a Supreme Court ruling from July, which determined that a municipal utility company committed an offense by failing to allow cash payments, noting that Euro banknotes and coins are legal tender that must generally be accepted.

Municipalities are urged to review their legislation and practices to ensure accessibility for all citizens, adhering to the principle of proportionality.