Parking space management
Parking space management
This page contains all the key information on the subject of parking space management. The background to this is the examination of the possible introduction of a parking space management system, which was commissioned by the Presidential Board. A final decision on the introduction has not yet been made.
Invitation: Information session on June 17
We would like to cordially invite all members of the university community to a further information session to discuss the possible introduction of a car parking management scheme.
Despite, or perhaps precisely because of, the complex global crises that concern us all, the Executive Board remains fully committed to our goal of climate neutrality. At the same time, many members of the university community view the possible introduction of parking charges with concern.
Following an initial information session in January and the Mobility Forum in March, we are offering university members the opportunity to learn about the considerations to date through a further information session. You will also be able to address your questions and comments on the subject directly to President Prof. Dr Ralph Bruder, Vice-President for Administration and Finance Jörg Stahlmann, and the Climate Protection Management team.
The event will take place on:
Date: Wednesday, June 17 2026
Time: 10:00 – 11:00
Venue: V03 0-D002
We look forward to discussing this important and controversial topic with you.
Please note: The event has had to be postponed from the originally announced date of June 2 to June 17.
Documentation: Information Session, 15 January 2026
On 15 January 2025, a digital information session was held for the university community. The constructive points for discussion and suggestions raised during the session were further developed and addressed in the Mobility Forum.
View the presentation slides from the information session [German]
Documentation: Mobility Forum, 19 May 2026
The documentation for the Mobility Forum will be posted here shortly.
Background information
Presidential Board mandate
On 10 December 2024, the Presidential Board decided that detailed planning for a parking space management system should be developed for the University of Oldenburg. Climate Action Management was commissioned to do this in close coordination with Division 4: Facility management. The planning should be geared towards the following goals:
- The reduction of GHG emissions in the area of everyday mobility by reducing the volume of car journeys made by university members
- Examination of the promotion of alternative forms of mobility
- Responsible and efficient use of the university's limited space
Detailed planning is not the same as implementation planning. Too little information is currently available to make a decision on the introduction of a car park management system. These gaps are to be closed with the detailed planning. This concerns both the examination of the technical implementation and a possible tariff structure if the parking spaces are to be managed. So far, no decision has been made to introduce a parking space management system. Without the completion of detailed planning, the measure will not be submitted to the Presidential Board for a decision by the climate action management.
Components of the measure review
The review of measures has three main components: a recommendation for technical implementation, a recommendation for the organisation of tariff structure and the participation process.
Technical implementation
As part of the technical implementation planning, the operational system best suited to the conditions at the University's sites is examined. For this part, an engineering office is developing a draft for a technical best practice model. The various technical implementation options are analysed and evaluated according to defined criteria. These criteria include, for example, ease of use for users and low administration and maintenance costs. The investment and operating costs are also estimated in this planning module.
Tariff design
The tariff structure is to be developed in a participatory manner. The format of citizens' councils is to be trialled for the first time at the University of Oldenburg. In the so-called "Mobility Council", a group of randomly selected students and employees will jointly submit a proposal for the tariff structure.
Participation process
As part of a virtual information event on 15 Janurary 2026, the current planning status will be presented and the space opened up for questions. In addition, a new participation format will be trialled at the university in the form of the Mobility Council. The results of the Mobility Council will also be presented at a public event. This website also provides an overview of the previous and further steps in the examination of the measure.
Basics
Integrated climate action concept (2022)
The university's integrated climate action concept was adopted in 2022. As a university, we are aiming to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. The concept contains a long catalogue with over 100 measures for the various fields of action. The measures were drawn up with the participation of various stakeholders from the university community as part of workshops, including the measure "AM_02 Parking space management". However, this measure is not automatically adopted with the adoption of the climate action concept. Like the other measures, however, it is being seriously considered for the implementation of the climate action concept.
Mobility survey (2024)
A mobility survey of students and employees is carried out every two years to calculate the university's greenhouse gas balance. The results can also be used to draw well-founded conclusions about the mobility behaviour of university members. The last survey was conducted in 2024. It revealed that a large proportion of the university's students and employees travel by bike or public transport. In 2024, this figure was 39% and 30% for students and 42% and 18% for employees. 16% of students and 10% of employees travelled on foot. However, 13% of students also use the car to get to university, compared to 28% of employees. Greenhouse gas emissions in the area of everyday mobility increased by 8.79% from 2022 to 2024, which highlights the need for action in this area to achieve climate action targets.
Information basis (2024)
As described above, all measures included in the climate action concept are being seriously examined for their implementation. In 2024, the climate action management team therefore created an initial information base on the topic of parking space management for the examination of the measure "AM_02 Parking space management". This compiled basic information on the initial situation at the University of Oldenburg and on technical implementation options. The information basis is intended to provide an overview of parking space management as a design tool for sustainable everyday mobility. It was published on the university's website and presented to the Presidential Board. The Presidential Board then decided to draw up a more detailed plan as a basis for decision-making on the introduction of parking space management (see detailed planning order).
FAQ
Here you will find a series of questions and answers relating to the assessment of measures for the introduction of parking space management. The FAQ will be continuously expanded.
General & Status Quo
Explanation of parking space management
Parking space management refers to the management of non-public parking facilities. The term [parking space] management encompasses the temporal and spatial influencing of parking space supply and demand to control the use of parking space (UBA 2021). The management of parking facilities can include the following aspects
- Control of access to parking spaces or the allocation of parking authorisations
- Economic factors (e.g. introduction of parking charges and thus redistribution of the costs for parking spaces from employers to users)
- Digitalisation (e.g. "smart parking" to simplify parking processes)
- Other rules and regulations
In principle, it is therefore possible to introduce car park management without charging parking fees.
How has the management of car parking spaces been handled at the University of Oldenburg to date?
There is currently no parking spae management system at the University of Oldenburg. The house rules stipulate that parking spaces may only be used by employees and students. However, apart from a few exceptions, all parking spaces are freely accessible and can also be used by non-university members. The university currently has hardly any means of monitoring or controlling this. There is also no established utilisation control over the use of the parking spaces. The University of Oldenburg incurs ongoing costs in maintaining these car parks. Without a management approach, these costs can only be roughly estimated. On the other hand, the university has not yet incurred any costs for maintaining aparking space management system.
What are the reasons for considering the introduction of a parking space management system?
There are essentially two reasons or triggers for addressing the issue of parking space management: climate action and parking pressure.
One important factor is the rising greenhouse gas emissions in the area of everyday mobility. Since the beginning of climate accounting at the University of Oldenburg, emissions from the use of private cars for travelling to the university have risen continuously. This thwarts efforts to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. Emissions in the area of everyday mobility account for almost 30% of the University of Oldenburg's total emissions. With extensive climate protection measures such as the introduction of a car park management system, the University of Oldenburg is not only fulfilling its social responsibility. It is also trying to stop the increase in the far-reaching consequences of climate change, which are already being felt in everyday university life in the form of long periods of heat during examination periods or heavy rainfall events.
The second aspect is the increasing parking pressure on the university's car parks. These are actually intended for students and employees, but are also frequently used by external parties. At present, the university has little control over preventing unauthorised use of the parking spaces. At the same time, there are ongoing costs for the maintenance of the car parks, which the university has to bear with its limited budget.
What advantages could the introduction of parking space management bring me?
The introduction of a parking space management system would ensure the exclusion of third-party parkers. This will secure the availability of parking spaces at the university, particularly during busy periods and peak times. This will improve the existing car park offer. This effect would be further enhanced if car use by university members were to decrease due to parking charges.
It should also be noted that the university is working on setting up charging points for electric cars. If these were publicly accessible, there is a risk that university members would hardly benefit from the charging points if they were frequently occupied by external users.
There is also the possibility of using the income from possible parking fees to expand a climate-friendly mobility infrastructure or for other sensible purposes.
Where can the development of greenhouse gas emissions and the results of the mobility survey be viewed?
Why are the private commuting emissions of staff and students included in the university’s carbon footprint?
In accordance with the materiality principle of the GHG Protocol (an international accounting standard), Scope 3 emissions – including commuting by staff and visitors – are included if they account for a significant proportion of the overall emissions. Emissions from everyday travel at the University of Oldenburg amounted to around 28% in 2024. They therefore constituted a material portion of the total emissions and are consequently included.
Furthermore, the University of Oldenburg is certainly able to influence the mobility behaviour of its members through various measures. The choice of transport is not purely a private decision, but is politically influenced by the framework conditions for mobility. The University of Oldenburg takes its responsibility as an active stakeholder seriously; accordingly, accounting for mobility emissions is part of this.
Why is the introduction of a parking management scheme being considered before other measures with significant potential for savings, such as building renovation, have been completed?
To achieve climate neutrality, measures are being implemented on an ongoing basis across all relevant areas. This is all the more important when the implementation of measures takes a long time and requires extensive preparation before the emissions-reducing effects can be realised. Regardless of the decision on parking space management, Department 4 is continuously implementing energy efficiency projects and refurbishment schemes. The climate protection strategy sets out a comprehensive catalogue of measures, including projects from a wide range of sectors, which are being taken into account to achieve climate neutrality.
However, accounting for almost 30% of total emissions, the area of everyday mobility is the next most significant driver in the greenhouse gas balance – all the more so because emissions in this sector have actually risen in recent years. Reducing emissions from private cars in the mobility sector is therefore a key task in achieving climate neutrality.
In what ways is the university working to make other, more environmentally friendly modes of transport more appealing?
The university is committed to a holistic mobility strategy; however, not all areas of action fall within the university’s direct remit. The university’s current services and initiatives include:
- Cycling courses & events on cycling mobility
- Establishment/support of bicycle repair facilities: AStA bicycle workshops, Reparierbar, repair stations
- Bicycle hire: provision of service bicycles for staff, bicycle hire from the AStA bicycle workshops
- Provision of secure and covered bicycle parking facilities
- Job ticket for staff
- Installation of electric charging points (in planning)
Other measures outside the university’s sole responsibility include subsidies for the Deutschlandticket, the introduction of a staff bicycle leasing scheme and improved public transport links.
When will the company bike leasing scheme be available?
As part of the collective bargaining negotiations between the Employers’ Association of German States, the Verdi service sector union and the Civil Servants’ Association in December 2023, an agreement was also reached on a company bicycle leasing scheme. Bicycle leasing is usually arranged through a service provider who handles the administration of the scheme. A Europe-wide tender process must be carried out to select the service provider for the State of Lower Saxony. The State of Lower Saxony expects that its employees will be able to make use of the service in the course of 2026. The tendering process for this commenced on 9 February 2026.
Why doesn’t the university subsidise the Deutschlandticket through an employer contribution?
As an employer, the University of Oldenburg is subject to the regulations of the State of Lower Saxony, which does not currently provide its employees with an employer contribution towards the Deutschland-Ticket. The introduction of a regional ticket has been proposed to the relevant State Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Culture. The proposal is currently under consideration.
When will electric charging points be installed on campus?
Public charging points are not yet available on the university campus. The university has been working intensively for some time on ways to establish a charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Unfortunately, legal regulations and building requirements are complicating the implementation process.
The City of Oldenburg is working on the further development of charging infrastructure (including as part of its Oldenburg 2030 Mobility Plan and the concept for an electric mobility station). A public fast-charging point is also planned at the Wechloy train station.
You can find existing public charging stations in Oldenburg via the City of Oldenburg’s transport information service.
Status of project planning
Has the introduction of a parking space management system already been decided?
It has not yet been decided whether a parking space management system will be introduced. The measure is currently being reviewed in order to fill the information gaps that still exist for this decision. This concerns the technical implementation options and the determination of possible tariff models. Only on the basis of this information can a feasibility study be carried out. A decision on the introduction depends on these findings, among others.
When should the decision on the introduction be made?
The decision on the possible introduction of a parking space management system will only be made once all parts of the assessment of the measure are available. In addition, a number of consultation and information sessions will be held prior to the decision.
What are the next steps after a possible decision?
The introduction of a parking space management system has not yet been decided. However, if a positive decision is made in favour of the introduction, implementation planning will begin first. In this planning, the detailed questions for the implementation must be clarified and the tendering procedure set up. This is a very time-consuming process. Even after a successful tendering process, the technical infrastructure at the car park units would first have to be set up. Even if parking charges were to be introduced, it would still be a long time before they were actually levied at the University of Oldenburg.
What does the participation process look like for the university public?
The participation process comprises various elements. Firstly, this website has been set up to provide university staff and students with information about the project. At an information session on 15 January 2026, the Presidential Board and the Climate Action Management team provided an update on the current status of the project planning. In addition, the Mobility Forum on 19 March provided a further opportunity for participation, allowing attendees to discuss various pricing scenarios. Subsequently, another information session will be held on 2 June, at which university members can learn about the considerations and put their questions to the Presidential Board.
How are the various interest groups involved?
The Staff Council and AStA were already involved at the beginning of the enrolment process. So far, the main focus has been on developing technical recommendations for possible implementation. In the course of this, the organisational units involved were kept informed on an ongoing basis and the interim results were made available to the Staff Council. Representatives of the Staff Council also took part in the project meetings. The interest groups are also intended as input experts for the Mobility Council and will also be involved in the further process.
Will there be car parking charges and if so, how much?
The introduction of a car park management system has not yet been decided. The introduction of car park charges has therefore also not yet been decided. Should a system be introduced, the likely minimum requirement for the charges would be that the ongoing maintenance costs and the one-off investment costs are covered.
Will all university staff and students have to pay the same fees?
No decision has yet been made on the introduction of parking charges. Consideration is currently being given to what a socially acceptable and climate-friendly system might look like. This includes examining various pricing models, taking into account a range of factors from practical implementation to social acceptability. At the Mobility Forum, participants were able to discuss various pricing scenarios from different perspectives.
What about people who drive because they can’t use public transport or cycle?
Many members of the university community are already able to travel to the university using climate-friendly modes of transport. However, the plans take into account that this does not apply to everyone, for example due to long journey times or a lack of transport links. This also applies to the consideration of different salary brackets, as the introduction of parking charges could place a varying financial burden on different groups.
What are the rules for visitors to the university?
The flexible options for managing parking spaces would also include the allocation of special registration permits for service providers, etc., exemptions from parking restrictions for certain groups of people, such as those with severe disabilities, or designated areas for company cars, as well as an access management system for guests and visitors.
What about current non-university parkers? Would they be barred from using the university’s car parks, or is a separate rate being considered?
The increasing pressure on parking spaces due to their use by non-university members is one of the reasons for reviewing this measure. Should the Presidential Board decide to introduce a parking management scheme, a mechanism to restrict access to non-university members is likely. This could take various forms. However, if such a scheme were to be introduced, the university’s parking spaces would primarily be made available to university members.
Wouldn’t the introduction of a parking management scheme inevitably lead to the surrounding public car parks becoming more heavily used, and to residents complaining?
This is a realistic risk should a parking management scheme be introduced. However, the ultimate responsibility for resolving this issue would lie with the City of Oldenburg. Thanks to the existing cooperation, the city is aware of the plans for parking management and can, if necessary, respond with measures such as extending resident parking zones. This would, however, only be relevant in the event of a positive decision and successful implementation.