Free Parking or Free Markets
Studies have shown that the drivers of as many as one-third of the cars in congested downtown areas are looking for a parking space. This cruising for parking creates traffic congestion and contributes to air pollution. Poor air quality is one unintended consequence of underpriced parking. To address these problems, some cities are deploying pricing strategies that will produce one or two empty spaces per block, thereby managing the supply. This process can help remove political considerations by making it clear that demand will set the price for street parking. Retailers benefit when shoppers can readily find a parking space, do their shopping, and then leave, making the space available for another shopper. Minimum parking requirements can be eliminated when parking is priced correctly. Case studies of policy changes are provided from San Francisco and Los Angeles.
- Record URL:
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Authors:
- Shoup, Donald
- Publication Date: 2011-4
Language
- English
Media Info
- Media Type: Web
- Features: Figures; Photos;
- Pagination: pp 28-35
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Serial:
- Access
- Volume: 38
- Publisher: University of California Transportation Center (UCTC)
Subject/Index Terms
- TRT Terms: Air quality; On street parking; Parking demand; Parking fees; Parking turnover rate; Pay parking; Traffic congestion; Urban transportation policy
- Subject Areas: Economics; Environment; Highways; Policy; I15: Environment;
Filing Info
- Accession Number: 01349981
- Record Type: Publication
- Source Agency: UC Berkeley Transportation Library
- Files: BTRIS, TRIS
- Created Date: Aug 17 2011 7:40AM