How to Optimize City Parking for Efficiency and Sustainability?

Parking is one of the most challenging and contentious issues in urban planning. Finding a suitable parking spot can be frustrating and time-consuming for drivers, while parking fees can be a source of revenue and regulation for cities. But what is the best way to price and manage city parking? How can cities balance the needs of drivers, residents, businesses, and the environment? In this article, we will explore some of the latest research and innovations in city parking and how they can improve urban mobility and livability.

The Problem of Parking

Parking is not just a matter of convenience but also of economics and ecology. According to a recent CityBeautiful video, an average Indian driver spends 20 minutes every day looking for a parking spot, which adds up to 73 hours per year. This is not only a waste of time and fuel, but also a source of stress and pollution. Moreover, parking occupies valuable urban land that could be used for other purposes, such as housing, green spaces, or public amenities. In some cities, such as Mumbai, the per capita open space is as low as 1.28 square meters, compared to the recommended 9 square meters.

Parking also affects the demand and supply of transportation modes. If parking is cheap and abundant, drivers have less incentive to use public transport, cycling, or walking, which are more efficient and sustainable ways of moving around the city. On the other hand, if parking is scarce and expensive, drivers may avoid certain areas or activities, which can hurt the local economy and social life. Therefore, finding the optimal price and availability of parking is crucial for urban planning and management.

The Solution of Parking

One of the most influential theories of parking pricing is the concept of dynamic pricing, which was pioneered by economist Donald Shoup. Dynamic pricing means that the price of parking varies according to the time, location, and demand for parking spaces. The goal is to achieve an occupancy rate of around 85%, which means that there are always one or two vacant spots on each block. This way, drivers can find parking easily and quickly without having to circle or double-park. Dynamic pricing also encourages drivers to park for shorter durations or to use alternative modes of transport, which reduces congestion and emissions.

Dynamic pricing has been implemented in several cities around the world, such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, and Stockholm. The results have been positive, showing that dynamic pricing can reduce cruising time, vehicle miles traveled, greenhouse gas emissions, and parking revenue losses. However, dynamic pricing also faces some challenges, such as the need for sophisticated technology, data collection, and analysis, as well as the public’s acceptance and awareness of the system.

Another innovative approach to parking management is the creation of a special purpose vehicle (SPV) for parking, which is proposed by the Chennai Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (CUMTA) and the Greater Chennai Corporation. The SPV would have the power to regulate parking, impose fines, and tow away vehicles, as per the Urban Local Body Rules of 2023. The SPV would also introduce more parking bays, a multi-level parking system, and an app-based parking system. The SPV would also introduce annual passes, digital booking of slots, and pricing based on location and land value to encourage the use of public transport. The SPV would also monetize interior streets for parking if they do not cause traffic hindrance.

The SPV for parking is expected to address the city’s traffic and parking issues by creating a centralized and coordinated entity for parking management. The SPV would also generate revenue for the city, which can be used to improve urban infrastructure and services. However, the SPV would also require effective collaboration among various agencies, such as the police, the transport department, and the municipal corporation, as well as the participation and support of the public and the stakeholders.

The Future of Parking

Parking is not only a practical problem but also a strategic opportunity for cities to shape their urban development and mobility. By adopting smart and sustainable parking policies and practices, cities can optimize the use of their land and resources, reduce their environmental impact, and enhance their livability and attractiveness. Parking can also be a catalyst for innovation and transformation, as new technologies and business models emerge to offer new solutions and services for urban parking. Some of the emerging trends and possibilities include:

• Shared parking: Shared parking is the idea of using existing parking spaces more efficiently by allowing multiple users to access them at different times or for different purposes. For example, a parking lot that is used by office workers during the day can be used by residents or visitors during the night, or a parking space that is used by a car owner during the week can be rented out to other drivers during the weekend. Shared parking can increase the utilization and revenue of parking spaces, as well as reduce the need for new parking construction. Shared parking can be facilitated by online platforms such as Parkopedia, JustPark, or ParkMe, which connect parking owners and seekers and provide information, booking, and payment services.
• Autonomous parking: autonomous parking is the ability of vehicles to park themselves without human intervention. This can be achieved by using sensors, cameras, and artificial intelligence, which enable the vehicles to navigate and maneuver in complex and dynamic parking environments. Autonomous parking can improve the safety and convenience of parking, as well as the efficiency and capacity of parking spaces, as vehicles can park closer and faster and can be relocated or retrieved on demand. Autonomous parking can be supported by smart parking infrastructure, such as wireless communication, digital signage, and robotic valets, which can guide and assist vehicles in parking.
• Electric vehicle (EV) parking: EV parking is the provision of parking spaces that are equipped with charging stations for electric vehicles. EV parking can promote the adoption and use of electric vehicles, which are more environmentally friendly and cost-effective than conventional vehicles. EV parking can also create new revenue streams and business opportunities for parking operators, as they can offer charging services and electricity to EV drivers. EV parking can be integrated with smart grid systems, which can balance the supply and demand of electricity and enable vehicle-to-grid (V2G) services, which allow EVs to store and supply electricity to the grid when needed.

Parking is not a static or trivial issue, but a dynamic and vital one that affects the quality and sustainability of urban life. By applying the principles and practices of smart and sustainable parking, cities can create more efficient and livable urban spaces and prepare for the future of urban mobility.