Myth busters

Parking Misconceptions &

Misunderstandings

“I can’t find a space when I need to, so

there’s clearly a need for more

parking.”

It applies to parking too…

Copyright © 1998-2011, Dr. Jean-Paul Rodrigue, Dept. of Global Studies & Geography, Hofstra University.

–Parking is often the largest single land use in municipalities

–Often, signage and way-finding can improve utilization

–Before adding new free parking, pricing high demand areas should be considered

Supply and Demand

“We need more parking to ease

congestion.”

Alternatives – Reduce parking needs with:

• Car-sharing vehicles

• Shared parking

• Improved pedestrian and bicycling infrastructure

• Pricing

– Too much free and underpriced parking can encourage people to drive by making an area unpleasant to walk, and hard to reach by public transportation

– Metered parking can reduce congestion by freeing up parking places and reducing the need to “cruise” for a spot

“Parking should always

be free.”

Parking should be friendly

–Parking is a valuable city asset and everyone pays for its provision and maintenance through taxes

–Parking is also paid through higher prices for goods, higher housing costs, and higher rents – regardless of who uses it

–Parking should be friendly, not always free.

–Charging for parking usage would reduce the tax burden from the general public to the user

Technology is changing everyday and should be used as much as possible to make paying for parking EASY. Pay-by-phone, QR to pay site, in-car meters, etc. are some possibilities.

“If I have to pay to park downtown, I’ll

go to the mall instead, where it’s

free.”

Designed for People

– In a denser downtown area, you’re paying for access to a small number of premium spaces; most mall spaces are far from your final destination, often further than remote municipal lots

– If it were possible to drive into the mall and park in front of your favorite store, the mall would probably charge for that!

Unrealistic Expectations

Suburban Mall Downtown Naperville

“If this community charges for parking, I will no longer support the businesses and it

will hurt the economy.”

–Performance Pricing is designed to create only one or two vacant spots per block; if most are filled, the meters are not chasing away all the customers

– If, after a short “adjustment period,” most meters are vacant, prices are too high and should be lowered

Performance Pricing

“You’re just trying to fill budget gaps

and steal our money.”

Maybe. Maybe not.

– Good parking management helps alleviate traffic congestion, reduce the public burden of parking, and promote alternative modes; it should NOT be seen as a cash cow

– Be transparent with how the money will be spent, return the revenues to the same block with street improvements

– Involve the business community

– Modify price with demand, rather than implementing a flat rate

more information

Lindsay Banks

Associate Planner, CMAP

lbanks@cmap.illinois.gov

312-386-8826