Tag Archive: parking

  1. SUVs and other large vehicles to receive higher parking charges in Cardiff

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    Sources: BBC News, Sky News, Guardian, Clean Cities

    Cardiff has become the first UK city to decide in favour of higher residential parking permit charges on larger vehicles weighing over 2,400 kg, following approval of proposed plans by the Welsh capital city’s council cabinet. The weight limit will affect many SUV-type cars.

    The proposed changes come after a public consultation in which 66% of respondents said they agreed that owners of larger vehicles should pay more for their parking permits.

    The plan in Cardiff would see the city split into three parking management zones, with the central area having no residential permits, an inner area featuring a mix of permits and permitted bays (though not for businesses), and an outer area with all permits allowable, and variable time restrictions.

    The SUV problem

    Research shared by campaign group Clean Cities shows that the number of SUVs in England’s cities has increased from 3% to 30% of cars in the space of two decades; in London specifically, numbers have increased from approximately 80,000 in 2002 to around 800,000 in 2023. Clean Cities also reports that cars overall are getting wider with higher bonnets, presenting higher risks to pedestrians, and putting pressure on parking space and infrastructure.

    A Cardiff council spokesperson stated, “Cabinet has approved the principle of an additional charge for residential parking permits for vehicles weighing over 2.4 tonnes. These heavier vehicles typically produce more emissions, cause greater wear and tear on roads, and critically pose a significantly higher risk in the event of a road traffic collision.”

    A developing approach to SUV management

    Paris is seen by many campaigners as a forerunner in introducing policies to tackle the proliferation of SUVs. Parisians voted in February 2024 to dramatically increase parking costs for SUVs, and evidence suggests an impact is being seen, with the Le Parisien newspaper saying that the increased parking rate had reduced numbers of SUVs using surface parking facilities by two-thirds. In the UK, campaigners are calling for similar measures to be implemented in London, Birmingham, Bristol, Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool and Manchester, and other European cities have been considering options for some time. 

    Oliver Lord, the UK head of Clean Cities, said, “Other cities across the UK could learn from Cardiff’s leadership. Cardiff is showing real vision by standing up to the SUV ‘carspreading’ that is taking over our streets. It’s only fair that those driving the biggest, heaviest and most polluting vehicles pay more for the extra space and danger they bring.”

    Cardiff Council cabinet member for climate change, strategic planning & transport, Cllr Dan De’Ath, said that the scheme aims to ensure that, “our streets work for everyone – supporting local communities, tackling congestion, and helping us meet our climate goals. This plan is about making Cardiff a better place to live, work and visit for years to come.”

  2. Zurich citizens approve weight-based parking permits

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    Source: Swiss Info

    Future Blue Zone car parking fees in the Swiss city will depend on vehicle weight, opening up a new benefit for light electric vehicle purchasing and potentially discourage using heavy cars in the region. This is a notable development as the ever-increasing weight of cars is a contentious issue in urban mobility and sustainability.

    Recently voters in Zurich approved a new Blue Zone parking permit regulation that will require drivers to pay for their annual pass based on vehicle weight, with 63,763 citizens (52.8%) voting in favour and the remaining 56,948 rejecting it. Whether the vehicle is electric or gasoline will also play a role in determining the required parking payment.

    The vote was a result of a civic committee requesting a referendum from the decision of the municipal council.

    The weight-based parking permit could drive citizens away from purchasing heavier cars and potentially encourage light electric vehicle adoption, with both weight and electric functionality influencing parking permit costs.

  3. Helsinki pilots e-scooter parking technology to enhance urban safety

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    Source: Forum Virium

    The Finnish capital city of Helsinki has launched a three-month pilot project to improve the organisation of shared e-scooters, using centimetre-level precise parking technology. The initiative forms part of Forum Virium Helsinki’s ELABORATOR project and is being implemented in partnership with Norwegian technology company Sparkpark AS.

    The rapid growth of e-scooters as a sustainable last-mile transport option has brought noticeable benefits, but it has also raised challenges. Sidewalk clutter, improper parking, and accessibility issues for pedestrians and cyclists remain pressing concerns in urban spaces. Helsinki has already responded to these issues by designating specific parking areas for e-scooters, and this latest pilot seeks to refine these measures further through the application of innovative technology.

    Four districts to test smart parking solutions

    Since mid-August, Sparkpark’s system has been deployed across four districts in central Helsinki: Pasila, Kalasatama, Kallio, and Esplanadi, with approximately twenty sensors being installed near key parking zones, including at Tripla and Redi shopping centers.

    Unlike conventional GPS-based systems, which often struggle in dense urban environments or underground locations, Sparkpark’s patented Bluetooth positioning technology delivers centimetre-level accuracy. This ensures that scooters are placed within their designated zones, even in areas where GPS signals are unreliable.

    Benefits for pedestrians and urban accessibility

    The technology is designed not only to improve operational efficiency but also to enhance urban safety and accessibility. By preventing scooters from spilling beyond capacity in parking areas, the system reduces clutter on sidewalks and cycle paths. This contributes to a safer environment for pedestrians and a more orderly urban landscape overall.

    “Prioritizing the perspective of non-riders by introducing proactive parking solutions – rather than reacting with punitive parking fees for the riders and operators – will be a game-changer for the future of micromobility,” said Sparkpark co-founders Igor Pancevski and Thomas Bråten.

    A step towards smarter, safer mobility

    According to Project Manager Noora Reittu of Forum Virium Helsinki, the pilot highlights the city’s commitment to addressing mobility challenges with forward-looking solutions. “Through this pilot, we aim to assist the City of Helsinki in developing future traffic safety measures. We also seek to test the technology’s functionality in challenging locations, such as areas with a weak GPS signal or other zones where e-scooters accumulate in large numbers,” she explained.

    The project will provide Helsinki with valuable insights into the feasibility of centimetre-precise parking systems in a real-world environment. If successful, the pilot could pave the way for broader adoption of smart parking technologies by improver safe e-scooter usage in other cities across the world.

  4. UK charity launches guidance on transforming car parking spaces for alternative uses

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    Source: Zag Daily

    The UK climate charity Possible has introduced new guidance aimed at facilitating the implementation of repurposed car-parking spaces – parklets – across England and Wales.

    These resources seek to help communities and local authorities convert car parking spaces into functional public areas, such as bike parking, seating spaces, and neighborhood hubs.

    Parklets toolkits for communities and local authorities

    As part of this initiative, Possible has released two “Parklets Toolkits,” one tailored for local communities and another designed for local government authorities. These toolkits provide step-by-step instructions on the installation of parklets, covering aspects such as project planning, obtaining permissions, and securing funding.

    Encouraging active travel and sustainable urban spaces

    Carolyn Axtell, Kerbside Greening Campaign Manager at Possible, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in promoting active travel. “We would like to see more local authorities adopting solutions like these to make it easier for families to switch to active travel,” Axtell told Zag Daily. “If councils are serious about encouraging modal shift, they need to enable the repurposing of car parking spaces for bike and cargo bike parking, and parklets can be one part of the solution.”

    Community toolkit: Guidance on implementation

    The toolkit for communities, developed in collaboration with the Parklets Campaign and the London boroughs of Lambeth, Hackney, and Waltham Forest, provides guidance on selecting appropriate locations for parklets and fostering engagement with local residents. Additionally, it details the necessary permissions from local councils, offers design and funding advice, and presents case studies of successful parklet projects across the UK.

    Axtell highlighted the utility of parklets for cargo bike parking, noting that two Waltham Forest residents applied for parklets specifically to address the lack of secure cargo bike storage. “Community parklets can be a great solution for cargo bike parking, and two Waltham Forest residents cited the need for cargo bike parking provision as their impetus for applying for parklets,” she explained.

    Local authority toolkit: Policy frameworks and case studies

    The second toolkit, intended for local authorities, focuses on developing policy frameworks that support community-led parklet projects. It also outlines strategies for collaboration to ensure parklets meet local needs, provides design and accessibility standards, and showcases examples of successful council-led parklet programs.

    The origins of parklets

    The concept of parklets originated in 2005 in San Francisco, where the art and design group Rebar transformed a parking space into a temporary public seating area by paying for a single day’s parking fee. This initiative demonstrated how repurposing parking spaces could encourage greater use of public spaces for social and transportation purposes.

    Parklets in the UK: A growing trend

    In the UK, the first official parklet was introduced in Hackney in 2015. Developed by Hackney Council in partnership with Sustrans and Cyclehoop, it featured bike racks, benches, and solar-powered lighting. The initiative was well received and became popular among cyclists and pedestrians alike.

    Expanding the use of parklets

    Possible’s new guidance aims to expand such projects, encouraging more communities and councils to reimagine urban spaces for public benefit. By providing structured support, the charity hopes to facilitate wider adoption of parklets as a tool for promoting sustainable transport and enhancing local environments.

  5. New parking reform implemented to encourage sustainable mobility in Belgian municipality

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    Source: Fietsberaad

    The City Council of Brasschaat in Belgium enforced a new parking ordinance in late 2023, reflecting a commitment to reducing car dependency and encouraging bicycle use.

    A strategic response to urban challenges

    The Flanders region in Belgium is known for its dispersed urban landscape, which necessitates smart space management. With increasing numbers of apartments and smaller housing units, space has become a valuable commodity. Recognising this, its Decree on Basic Accessibility (transportation policy) encourages investment in shared and combined mobility. The ambitious goal, set out in the Vision Note of the Antwerp Transport Region, aims for a modal split of 50% sustainable transport and 50% car use by 2030.

    In response to this vision, Brasschaat made a pivotal decision in 2020 by no longer prioritising car parking spaces in construction developments, to encourage alternative use of sustainable transport. A new initiative was introduced, of tax obligation for projects that did not meet parking conditions being suspended, provided that developers offered sufficient alternative transport solutions. This progressive approach culminated in the adoption of the new parking regulation at the end of 2023, introducing innovative measures to shift the focus away from car-centric development.

    Key features of the new regulation

    The revised parking ordinance incorporates several significant changes. One of the most notable aspects is the introduction of a minimum number of car parking spaces that will decrease over time. Additionally, the regulation allows for a reduced parking standard when submobility options, such as bike-sharing or public transport incentives, are included in new developments.

    Another major advancement is the inclusion of clear guidelines for bicycle parking, ensuring that bicycles are no longer relegated to secondary status. These principles, aligned to government initiatives, are designed to make bicycle use more convenient and appealing for residents.

    Collaborative development process

    The creation of the new parking regulation was a collaborative effort, involving multiple municipal services, including Space and Housing, Infrastructure, Mobility, Local Tourism, Sports, Education, and Finance. The Municipal Committee for Spatial Planning (GECORO) contributed insights through a dedicated workshop, while the Department of Mobility and Public Works (MOW) and the Province of Antwerp provided valuable advisory support.

    In developing the ordinance, Brasschaat drew inspiration from other local authorities, engaging in discussions with the City of Antwerp to refine the regulation’s implementation.

    Looking ahead: Evaluation and impact

    Although the new parking regulation has been in force only since late 2023, its full impact remains to be seen. The first permits under the updated guidelines have only recently been signed. However, during the drafting process, the proposed standards were tested against real projects to ensure feasibility and compliance. Notably, the bicycle parking standards were already being applied by the Mobility Service, even before receiving formal legal backing.

    As Brasschaat continues its journey toward a more sustainable urban environment, this ambitious regulation stands as a testament to the municipality’s proactive approach to addressing modern mobility challenges.

  6. European cities consider measures against SUVs following Paris referendum

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    Sources: CNBC, Vias

    Citing safety and environmental concerns, cities across Europe are following Paris’ lead with new laws aiming to discourage citizens from buying SUVs

    Paris SUV parking charge

    In a recent referendum, the majority of Parisians voted to increase parking fees for SUVs in an attempt to discourage more users from choosing this mode of transport. Due to their larger size, SUVs emit more emissions and pollute the environment more than other vehicles, as well as being a concern for road safety. Other cities have since taken action following the Paris vote, and a report also highlights the dangers these vehicles can pose to other road users.

    Recent report on SUVs causing increased injuries in road collisions

    Belgian knowledge institute Vias has also reported on the vehicle characteristics that affect injury severity after analysing all collisions between 2017 and 2021, involving 300,000 car occupants and vulnerable road users. The results show that vehicle mass plays an important role in the impact of a collision, with drivers of heavier vehicles more likely to be protected by the vehicle (injury risk in a collision decreases by 25% for SUV drivers), but individuals hit by them being more likely to suffer serious or fatal injuries (injury risk increased by 20% for car occupants that collided with an SUV).

    These findings also have concerning implications for the safety of other road passengers such as cyclists and pedestrians. Vias reported that the risk of fatal injuries increases by 30% if either a cyclist or pedestrian gets hit by a car with a hood that is 10cm higher than average.

    Cities in Europe also implementing policies to curb SUV sales.

    With reports on sales of SUV vehicles on the increase, Paris is not alone in its bids to decrease the popularity of heavier SUV vehicles:

    • Paris’ SUV referendum originally followed the initiative of fellow French city Lyon, which had already announced a similar policy to enforce higher parking charges for heavier vehicles, which will be applied next June.
    • French city Grenoble, meanwhile, has already implemented a higher environmental tariff in car parks for heavier vehicles, and a spokesperson from the mayor’s office in Bordeaux told CNBC that the city and the mayor are “at the reflection stage on the subject of taxing SUVs.”
    • Meanwhile in Germany, the city of Tübingen has introduced a six-fold increase in the annual cost of resident parking permits to 180 euros for vehicles with a combustion engine, that weigh over 1.8 metric tons.
    • The mayor of Hannover in Germany, told CNBC that after the Paris vote, residents of the city would “also have to face the question of how we deal with vehicles that take up more space.”

    Meanwhile, London’s mayor Sadiq Khan implied that he would be paying attention to the effectiveness of these policies. It will be interesting to see the ongoing effects of these SUV policies, and if other cities will also join on trying to mitigate SUV usage due to road safety and environmental concerns.

  7. Newly-sold passenger vehicles are getting one centimetre wider every 2 years

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    Unchecked, expanding car sizes are becoming too wide for standard street parking

    In a recent revelation, Transport & Environment’s (T&E) research exposes a concerning trend in the automotive industry: new cars in Europe are widening by 1 cm every two years. The primary driver behind this expansion is the soaring popularity of SUVs. The widening trend poses a significant challenge to urban spaces, with over 50% of new vehicles becoming too wide for standard on-street parking.

    As of the first half of 2023, the average width of new cars reached 180.3 cm, a noticeable increase from 177.8 cm in 2018. T&E warns that without legislative intervention, this trend is poised to persist, as current regulations allow new cars to match the width of trucks. The consequences are evident in major cities like London, Paris, and Rome, where 52% of the top 100 car models sold in 2023 exceeded the minimum specified on-street parking space of 180 cm.

    Large luxury SUVs, in particular, showcase remarkable growth, with the Land Rover Defender expanding by 20.6 cm in six years and the Mercedes X5 by 6 cm. This widening phenomenon not only reduces road space for other vehicles and cyclists but also endangers pedestrians. Crash data reveals a 30% higher risk of fatalities in collisions involving vehicles with increased height.

    Recognizing the severity of the issue, several European cities have already implemented stricter parking rules for SUVs. Paris is taking a pioneering step by proposing a referendum to triple parking fees for heavy cars, with a recent poll indicating strong support from around two-thirds of Parisians.

    T&E advocates for a comprehensive approach to address this challenge. They call for a review of the maximum width of new cars by EU lawmakers during upcoming legislative updates. Additionally, city authorities are urged to implement parking charges and tolls based on vehicle size and weight, ensuring that larger vehicles contribute more for utilizing valuable urban space.

    The widening of cars may seem like a subtle shift, but its impact on urban life is substantial. As Parisians prepare to vote on February 4th, they have a unique opportunity to set a precedent that could influence other European cities to prioritize pedestrian safety, reduce congestion, and create more sustainable urban environments. The call for legislative action is clear – it’s time to curb the widening of cars and preserve our urban spaces for the benefit of all citizens.

  8. Prague 1 Municipal District bans e-scooter parking

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    Source: TheMAYOR.eu, Prague Monitor

    The municipal district, which includes much of the medieval historic heart of the city, has unanimously agreed a motion to prohibit the parking of electric scooters in its public spaces.

    In a similar vein the the Paris restrictions, and other proposals across Europe, Prague has decided to place limits that forbid the parking of shared e-scooters within its central streets and parks. The district also plans to approach the municipality to extend this ban to cover the entire conservation area.

    The move appears to be motivated by concern for public safety, as well by numbers of tourists unfamiliar both with the vehicles and the local streets. Co-sponsor Pavel Marc (Praha 1 Sobě) was quoted as saying, “Having relatively hefty machines, often occupied by two people, constantly cluttering our sidewalks and endangering our elderly population is incompatible with life in this part of the city,” 

    Though the motion prohibits parking, there is some leniency in the fact that it does not forbid e-scooters from passing through the zone. Current affected operators in the city include Lime and Bolt.

    It was reported that Miroslav Stejskal, director of the Prague 1 municipal police, shared that officers had dealt with 4,352 scooter-related offences and issued fines amounting to approximately CZK 1.1 million (about 45,000 euros) over a six month period. This is in contrast to the number of offences related to cyclists in the same period, which numbered 560, or about eight times less.

  9. Freiburg SUV Parking fee overturned

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    Source: Saz Bike

    The Federal Administrative Court has reversed Freiburg residents’ parking fees that had been based upon the length of their car, deeming them invalid. The 13th June decision doesn’t influence the standard fee of 360 euros per year, however.

    Freiburg had charged residents 30 euros per annum to use residential parking spaces. On 1st April 2022 a tiered levy was introduced, dependent on the length of the vehicle; 240 euros (up to 4.20 meters), 360 euros (from 4.21 to 4.70 meters) or 480 euros (from 4.71 meters).

    Reduced fees were granted for residents receiving certain social benefits or those with disabilities, including individuals with an orange parking permit. These charges amounted to 60 euros, 90 euros and 210 euros. Those regarded as severely disabled with blue badges remained completely exempt.

    Car length charge disparity

    As an example of the resident’s park area charges, let’s assume a Freiburg resident applicant owns a motor vehicle that he or she already has a residential parking permit for. The resident’s first protest against the charges was to the Administrative Court of Baden- Württemberg and was unsuccessful. However, on appeal, the Federal Administrative Court in Leipzig deemed the charges worthless. Residential parking fees are regulated by federal law under the Road Traffic Act and cities need to abide by these laws. The car length charges were regarded as a violation of equality and unrepresentative of fairness, particularly as a 50cm difference in length could see a doubling of the fee in the most extreme cases.

    Yearly parking fee

    What was deemed as fair and effective by the Federal Administrative Court was the 360-euro annual parking fee. More information on the findings can be found here.

    Similar charges elsewhere

    Freiburg isn’t the only city to have had logistic charges imposed. In Tübingen, the resident’s parking fee is related to the weight of the car: For SUVs weighing 1.8 tons or more, the annual fee increases by 50 percent.