Park and Ride in Cologne

[SJSScotland]

Hi, I am planning our first trip to the Alps in our 'van at present so will have lots of questions I expect - but just one for now.

 

We are taking the ferry from Hull to Rotterdam and driving through Germany to Austria/Switzerland, probably staying half way the first night. Looking at our proposed route it takes us close to Cologne where I have always wanted to visit so seems too good an opportunity to miss..... however I am slightly wary about being caught in a LEZ and wondered if anyone had any advice about Park and Rides outside of the zone that we could use with a campervan (sub 6m length)? Or will I have to bite the bullet and buy a sticker? Would still prefer to use a Park and Ride rather than drive into the city, so still any advice still much appreciated.

 

Many thanks in advance.

 

 

[spospe]

If by LEZ you mean the German Umwelt Plakette, I would urge you to buy one and have done with the problem for good.

 

The link below will take you to an English webpage with simple instructions on how to buy a Plakette.

 

http://www.tuev-sued.de/auto_fahrzeuge/feinstaub-plakette/feinstaubplakette_ausland/england

 

The Umwelt zones are growing in number and trying to avoid them will lead to you making very artificial routes. Buy the Plakette and then you can drive anywhere without any concern.

[peejay]

Hi.

 

The Koln umweltzone has recently been enlarged so the Koln Riehl stellplatz that most used to use is now within the zone....

 

http://www.motorhomefacts.com/modules.php?name=Campsites&op=display_results&csid=633

 

However there is another place you can overnight at the P&Ride at Koln Marsdorf which is just outside the umweltzone...

 

http://www.motorhomefacts.com/modules.php?name=Campsites&op=display_results&csid=133

 

For a view of the area covered by the zone follow this link...

 

http://www.stadt-koeln.de/3/umwelt/umweltzone/suche/

 

However, It really is a simple procedure to get a sticker while you are over there, just call into any main Fiat/Ford dealer or a TUV garage (Equvalent of our MOT Station) and present your V5 and €5 for a sticker.

 

Pete

[peejay]

Me again, forgot to mention, you will need either a yellow or green sticker to be able to enter the Koln zone.

 

Pete

[Robinhood]

....if you can get a Green Umweltplakette (dependent on the emissions class of your vehicle) then it is worthwhile doing so, as it avoids concerns about entering emissions zones, is relatively cheap, and lasts for the life of the vehicle.

 

It is quite easy to obtain one once you are in Germany (as already posted), but prices vary by outlet, and the least you are likely to pay is €5.

 

If you wish to buy in advance, I would strongly advise only buying from the Berlin authorities via:

 

https://www.berlin.de/labo/kfz/dienstleistungen/feinstaubplakette.shop.en.php

 

.....this is the cheapest online site regularly used by posters on here, and will ship an appropriately coloured "sticker" by return post in response to a scanned copy of your V5C, and a credit/debit card number, to which the princely sum of €6 will be charged.

 

Feedback on the speed of service is always good.

 

There are a couple of campsites in the city which are viable for public transport, and also a number of Stellplätze, including the one posted above.

 

http://www.reisemobilhafen-koeln.de/

 

.....and note that this appears to be accessible via a yellow sticker as well.

[EJB]

Access to some stellplazen in the umwelt zones are exempt restrictions....I know Bremen is.....check where you want to visit.

 

Definitely get the sticker anyway.