Parking
Parking is one of the most challenging issues for local governments
to manage in order to enhance integrated transport outcomes.
On the one hand parking represents a powerful travel demand tool
local governments could use to discourage car use. On the other
hand, parking is a major attractor to local facilities and highly
valued by commercial interests. Commercial facilities compete for
custom with regional centres and with facilities in neighbouring
municipalities. Likewise the car dependent community demands parking
access. Even clearways of limited hours are seen as detrimental
to trade and user amenity and are often bitterly resented.
Local governments understand that to move towards their vision
and long term goals parking must be better priced to reduce car
over-use. However, entrenched and regulated practices of parking
provision and community expectations can dictate otherwise. This
is further complicated by the activity centre basis of Melbourne
2030, which is dependent on people using sustainable modes for short
trips. Short trips can only be made if local destinations are available.
Reducing car parking without a significant increase in public transport
access may threaten the viability of nearby shops and reduce the
short trip option, forcing people back into cars.
In most cases, local governments respond to parking demands by
putting restrictions in busy commercial centres and resident parking
schemes where parking overflow threatens resident amenity. All developments
are required to supply on-site parking and some local governments
supply parking space as well. However land prices have largely precluded
municipal land purchase for parking so unless supplied privately,
parking supply at commercial centres is in effect capped. Further
growth pressures are causing local governments to start considering
more strategic and municipal-wide measures.
Some leading examples of parking management as well as other information
on managing parking are available in the Parking folder:
What local governments can
do
Local governments can find themselves extending their role in
transport when acting in community best interest. Additional activities
may not be expensive and can provide a real local benefit.
Institutions and agencies
A summary of the roles of federal, state and other agencies
Available tools and resources
There are a number of useful resources to help local governments
Learn from others
Look at work done elsewhere to get ideas for your area.
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