Increasing towing numbers: Hamburg's drivers have to dig deeper into their pockets!

Increasing towing numbers: Hamburg's drivers have to dig deeper into their pockets!

In Hamburg, illegal parking was rampant in the first half of 2025 and caused an increase in the number of cars being towed. The number increased by nine percent compared to the previous year, which adds up to around 16,600 vehicles towed. This is around 1,400 more than in the same period in 2024, so that the measures against illegal parking are increasingly showing noticeable results. According to NDR reports, over 4,000 cars are currently parked on the side of the road and blocking the flow of traffic.

One of the main problems is vehicles that remain stationary longer than necessary or block escape routes and disabled parking spaces. These vehicles are the first to be towed. What is interesting is that almost two thirds (63%) of these towed cars end up in so-called “car jail”. For comparison: In the previous year it was 59%. The CDU parliamentary group also calls for consequences and suggests taking more consistent action against illegal parking.

Towing costs

A look at the financial aspects shows that towing a vehicle in Hamburg is still expensive. On average, vehicle owners have to pay 286 euros for towing. Although this is less than last year, it remains a high burden for many drivers. The income from towing operations recently amounted to over 12 million euros. Compared to 2024, in which 16,606 vehicles were towed, the trend is increasing, especially because the costs for storage due to towing can now be up to 554 euros. Of this, 170 euros are administrative fees, while smuggling services charge around 300 euros. The central depository charges an additional 84 euros to release the vehicles.

Another problem child remains the lack of parking space, for which the increased number of illegal parking is responsible. The number of depots is increasing while the ability to convert to a free parking space is decreasing, increasing the pressure on drivers. According to n-tv, these are trends that can be observed in Hamburg and that hardly have an end in sight.

Changed framework conditions

The situation is further exacerbated by new regulations. Since the beginning of 2023, the costs for moving a vehicle have increased to 380 euros; previously they were 200 euros. The prices for aborted towing attempts have also increased. The reason for this, as can be seen on Statista, is increased costs for fuel and personnel, which leads to higher prices for towing contracts. Last year, 15,152 vehicles were brought to the central depot on Ausschläger Allee in Rothenburgsort, and a new parking area was recently set up at Hamburg Airport's Tango Terminal.

Despite the challenges, there are also positive developments. The number of violations involving rental scooters has decreased. Hamburg politicians seem to be actively addressing various traffic issues in order to adequately address the parking space problem. Let's see what summer 2025 brings - there's definitely still a lot to do for drivers and passers-by in Hamburg.

The political discussions surrounding these issues are in full swing, and it will be exciting to see whether and how the city of Hamburg will soon find a solution that does justice to both drivers and residents.

NDR reports on the current situation while n-tv addresses the financial aspects of towing operations. Furthermore offers Statista detailed information on the rising costs of towing services.