Parking: An opportunity to deliver sustainable transport

Abstract

Parking policy is now recognised as a key pivot point for sustainable mobility transformations. Radical reform of our approaches to parking policy, and our levels of engagement with its thorny politics will shape the opportunities for just and equitable cities. To meet these challenges, we must explore the complexity of the relations of urban parking to envision new 21st century parking futures, and break the hold of 20th century automobility. Market-based approaches show much promise in upturning the relations of car-centric cities. Both new Shoupista movements in western cities as well as existing market parking approaches internationally demonstrate a variety of opportunities for cities to boost sustainable mobility, reclaim streets from cars, and deliver more equitable housing. However, this will require wading into the politics of parking, and confronting entrenched norms and values around rights and exclusivity, as well as power and ideology.