From Monday 21 September, Motala restores fees at municipal paid car parks while making the first two hours free. Parking must still be registered in epark or by text. Drivers using a payment machine do not receive the two free hours because the machines cannot support the arrangement.
What happened?
The app will display SEK 0 for the first two hours and the normal fee afterwards. Failure to register can lead to a parking charge even for a shorter stay. Local signs apply, and physical parking discs cannot yet be used. The app/text versus machine distinction is important because machines charge from the start.
Location
Motala, Östergötlands län
Impact and significance
The change affects town-centre visits but still requires active registration. Two free hours do not mean a car can be left without starting a parking session. Users should verify the zone, registration number and confirmation. Those using a machine should know that it currently does not provide the same free period.
Background
The municipality introduced two free hours on 29 June, but epark questioned whether the contract allowed the change and reset the app on 16 July. Motala then made parking free from 15:00 that day while seeking a solution. The app has now been reprogrammed for the politically decided model while discussions continue.
Latest update
The rules start on 21 September 2026. Work continues on a town-centre zone, local traffic regulations and signs, with a March 2027 target. A physical parking-disc option is under review. Until then, drivers should follow current signs and the registration method specified for each location.
Sources
Related analysis
Reviewed: 2026-09-17. Independent editorial content. WUA Sverige is not affiliated with any political party.