The municipality of Amsterdam is implementing a new parking policy starting from July 3, a plan which was approved by the city council in April but is drawing criticism as the date draws near. The plan includes sharply higher rates increasing by about 12 percent for on-street parking, much higher rates at P+R locations, extended hours for paid parking, including 24-hour paid parking on city center streets, and increased parking permit fees in most districts of the city, with some shooting up by 25 percent.