Espoo Expands Paid Parking to Matinkylä and Kilo Starting in September

Espoo, Finland

The City of Espoo has confirmed that paid parking will be expanded to parts of Matinkylä and Kilo during September 2026, marking another phase of the city's plan to regulate parking in busy urban areas.

According to the City of Espoo, new parking signs will be installed throughout September. Once the signs are in place, the new parking charges will become effective immediately. Drivers are therefore advised to carefully check parking signs before leaving their vehicles.

Parking Fees

The new parking rates will be:

1. Zone 1: €3.50 per hour
2. Zone 2: €2.50 per hour

Paid Parking Hours

The parking charges will apply during the following times:

1. Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
2. Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
3. Sunday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Zone 1 only)

At outside these hours, parking will generally remain free unless otherwise indicated by local traffic signs.

Why Is Espoo Expanding Paid Parking?

The expansion follows a decision made earlier this year by the Espoo City Board as part of a broader strategy to:

1. Improve parking availability in busy districts.
2. Reduce long-term street parking.
3. Encourage the use of public transport.
4. Better manage traffic in rapidly growing neighbourhoods.

The city has already introduced similar paid parking areas in Kaitaa and Leppävaara earlier this year, with Matinkylä and Kilo being the next areas to join the system.

Advice for Drivers

Motorists visiting Matinkylä or Kilo in September should:

1. Watch for newly installed parking signs.
2. Check whether the street belongs to Zone 1 or Zone 2.
3. Use approved parking payment methods such as mobile parking apps or parking machines where available.
4. Avoid assuming that parking remains free in areas that previously had no charges.

Failure to follow the new parking regulations may result in a parking penalty.

Official Source

1. https://www.espoo.fi/en/news/2026/08/paid-parking-be-expanded-matinkyla-and-kilo-september