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Real-time sensors in Rostock: illegal parking is finally in sight!
From October, Rostock will be implementing floor sensors to monitor illegal parking and ensure clear escape routes.
Real-time sensors in Rostock: illegal parking is finally in sight!
The annoying problem of illegal parking is now being addressed in Rostock's city center, specifically on Pedagogienstrasse. From September 29, 2025, floor sensors have been installed here in a new model test that report illegally parked vehicles in real time. Erik Lohse, project coordinator of the “NXTLVL Parking” project, emphasizes that the frequent parking problems represent an enormous nuisance despite existing parking and parking bans. Particular attention is paid to fire brigade access and rescue routes, which must be kept clear in order to ensure quick help in an emergency. Dr. Chris von Wrycz Rekowski (SPD) strongly supports this concern and points out the essential importance of free access.
The sensors, which are around 30 cm long, were installed at a distance of around two meters on the side of Pedagogy Street. They detect illegal parking and forward the information to the municipal security service in accordance with data protection regulations, who can then check on site whether intervention is necessary. This measure is intended not only to increase safety, but also to raise awareness among drivers about parking behavior. In addition, the adjacent delivery zone at Langen Straße 34 will also be equipped with sensors that keep an eye on the delivery zones that are often blocked. This is particularly important because illegal parking often causes delivery vehicles to stop on the street or sidewalk, increasing the risk of accidents.
Scope of the model experiment
The entire model test will run until the end of 2026 and will be implemented in collaboration with the Rostock municipal utilities. They are responsible for the installation and operation of the systems. Successful approaches from Lübeck, where similar technologies are successfully used, serve as the basis for the Rostock project. If the results are positive, this model could be expanded to other critical areas, which could significantly improve the quality of life in the city.
The issue of illegal parking is very important not only in Rostock, but also in other cities. A look at Düsseldorf shows that the fire brigade and rescue service have already had to respond to around 163,000 missions in 2023. In many cases, illegal parking poses an obstacle for the emergency services, which costs valuable time. Carsten Hahn, deputy head of the fire department, explains the importance of being able to act quickly in emergencies. In Düsseldorf, for example, over 2,800 warnings and almost 1,000 towing measures were initiated in 2023 to hold illegal parkers accountable.
The aim of the Rostock project is to continue to ensure a high level of safety and optimize traffic flow. Innovative technologies will be used to better protect escape routes and delivery zones in the future and reduce the likelihood of accidents. A good hand in implementing these measures could bring the city forward significantly and put illegal parking in their place.