titlepage/contents pg 1-16 - British Parking Association

Chapter 5Defining ParkingObjectivesChapter 5Defining ParkingObjectivesIntroductionThe context for this chapter issummarised in Figure 5.1.The objectives for managingparking in any area need to becarefully defined – whether theyare concerned with the design ofa parking control scheme, thesetting of charges, thenegotiation of parking in newdevelopments, or any otheraction. Sometimes objectivesconflict with one another andthere is a need to strike anappropriate balance.The steps involved in thepreparation of parking objectivesare likely to be:1. To identify all national andregional policies as theyapply to the area underconsideration;2. To identify objectives fromlocal framework documents,in particular the CommunityPlan, Development Plan, andLocal Transport Plan (LTP).Specific objectives includingtargets will be particularlyrelevant;3. To prepare a list ofpreferred objectives forinclusion in a ParkingStrategy. Stakeholderinvolvement may beparticularly helpful at thisstage;4. To justify each objective byexplaining how it contributesto the wider objectivesidentified in 1 and 2; and5. To identify any conflicts ofinterest that arise, andresolve them.Once the parking objectiveshave been agreed and conflictsresolved, they should form thebasis for the specific policies andschemes (see Chapter 6).Key IssuesThe challenge for policy-makersis to understand the differentways in which parking can, andshould, be used to contribute towider policy objectives. Parkingpolicy – and the elements withinit – is just one part of transportpolicy decision-making. In turntransport policies need to beconsistent with land use policiesand with overall economic,environmental and social policygoals. They are all inter-related.Objectives should, therefore, beset in a way that is justified bythe intended benefits, andshould take into account:● The benefits of parkingcontrols: These should beidentified and followedthrough into schemes andpolicies. Limiting car use hasno intrinsic merit, and canonly be justified by referenceto social and environmentalgains, such as more streetspace for pedestrians andtraders, reduced pollution,and less congestion;● Complementary polices:These should support the“carrot and stick” approach to