September 1, 2011
BERLIN (AFP) - Bonn, the former West German capital, has introduced a parking meter for prostitutes, the first in Germany, to tax those who just work the streets, a city spokeswoman said Wednesday.
"We expect to get some 200,000 euros ($288,000) per year from the meter," Isabelle Klotz told AFP.
The meter, which looks like an ordinary parking meter, was inaugurated at the weekend in an industrial area, near the centre of town, used by prostitutes to sollicit clients.
Prostitutes have to pay six euros (8.6 dollars) per night worked, regardless of how many customers they have.
On Monday when the meter was first emptied, 264 euros had been paid in, Klotz said.
If prostitutes fail to buy a ticket, valid overnight from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m., they will first be warned and then fined, she added.
