One-hour parking limit introduced at four spots in Smiltene town centre
From September 7, four parking spaces in Smiltene's central square near a medical laboratory and pharmacy now have a one-hour time limit to improve access for residents. Violators face a fine of up to 30 euros.
The Smiltene municipality has introduced a new parking rule at four spaces in the town centre, on Baznīcas laukums 3 and Baznīcas laukums 6, effective from September 7, 2026. Vehicles may now be left in these spots for no longer than one hour.
The affected spaces sit directly across from a medical testing laboratory and a pharmacy, two spaces at each location. According to the municipality, cars were previously often left parked there for an entire day, making it difficult for other residents and visitors to reach these services.
Aim: easier access to services
The new time limit is meant to make it easier and more convenient for residents — particularly seniors, parents with children, and people with mobility or health issues — to park close to the pharmacy or laboratory when they need to drop off test samples or pick up medication quickly. Limiting parking time is also expected to increase turnover of the spaces, allowing more visitors to use them throughout the day.
The municipality is asking drivers to watch for the newly installed road signs and to display a visible time indicator, such as a parking clock, inside their vehicle to show their arrival time. Failing to comply with the time limit can result in a fine of up to 30 euros.
