Parking shortages push Swiss tradespeople to turn down jobs

Parking shortages in Swiss cities are leading some tradespeople to stop accepting jobs, SRF reports. In Zurich, the number of blue-zone parking spaces fell from 31,977 in 2021 to 29,924 in 2025. White-zone spaces declined from 13,392 to 8,917 over the same period.

The Swiss Trade Association says the problem affects businesses in other cities too. Tradespeople can spend a long time driving around to find a place to park.

“Travel costs are costs too, and they have to be passed on,” said Urs Furrer, the association’s director. Tradespeople may absorb the cost, turn down work if it is no longer worthwhile, or add the expense to the customer’s bill. Furrer said the problem needs solutions.

In a survey by the tradespeople’s platform Ofri, one in two businesses said they sometimes no longer accept jobs in Zurich.

Annik Ott Fischer, deputy head of communications at the responsible Zurich city department, said the city regretted how challenging the situation was for businesses and was in contact with them. She said public space was being reorganised in favour of “soft traffic”, but that businesses should not suffer as a result.

Zurich’s new parking permit rules would allow tradespeople to park briefly on the pavement when needed. Voters approved the exception, but it is currently blocked on legal grounds.