Car Parking in and around town centres has been widely recognised as a key factor affecting the vibrancy of town centres and high streets. ATCM’s recent report (with BPA) “Re-Think Parking on the High Street” (Jan 2013) was a first step in analysing this complex issue. We want to take this research further by exploring key success factors and build an argument for each place to develop a parking strategy as part of its wider transport and accessibility plan.
The research will focus on innovative elements of past solutions to the problem as well as new approaches currently being considered, including creative and technology-led solutions from the UK and overseas.
Strategically, the goal of this research is to align the car parking debate closer to rapidly changing consumer trends shaping our town and city centres, including the rise in town centre living, more local shopping patterns and accessibility issues as a result of an ageing population, among others.
What we'll deliver:
- • Analyse the innovation elements of good practices in car parking provision.
- • Review different approaches to car parking adopted by vibrant, successful town centres.
- Explore legislation which may be preventing local authorities from adopting innovative technology-led solutions.
Why it's a great idea:
Car parking is fundamental as an transport option for healthy town centres. Yet, there is a major knowledge gap in creative and innovation-based solutions for tackling this issue, including partnership-based solutions.
Steps to get it done:
- Look at mechanism such as discounting, rewards, technology
- Take a wider strategy perspective and “connected value” into account
- Identify a range of “success factors” for different types of locations
The research will be primarily practice-based through case studies.
The main outputs of this research study will include:
• Research report
• Individual case studies
• Recommendations for policy changes
• Recommendations for local implementation
• Launch event/seminar
We aim to launch this research project in October 2013. It is expected the research study will be completed by February 2014.
