Reading Time: 2 minutes

Since the advent of cars and other motor vehicles, parking space has been as much of a priority as road and highway infrastructure. With over 1.5 billion cars expected to roam the roads by 2025, creating more parking spaces will only worsen inequality and catalyze climate change – unless we work to promote the use of more accessible and sustainable forms of transport. Introducing parking reforms that de-incentivize driving and mitigate emissions is one of the best ways to do that.

The Climatic Impact of Parking

Over the last decade, we have seen how the availability of low-cost and expansive parking spaces encourages more driving and the poor use of valuable urban space. The abundance of parking spaces has led to environments that are not only unfriendly for cyclers and pedestrians but also less accommodating of essential public transport networks.

In the US, over 3 billion gallons of gasoline are wasted due to congestion each year, with around 30% of fuel wastage caused by cars searching for parking spaces. Alongside promoting more driving, parking storage and spaces are generally created using resource-intensive, non-porous and unsustainable materials like gravel, concrete, and asphalt, which contribute to compound storm-water runoff and pollution and compound the urban heat island effects.

The aggravated weather events do not help the cause, either. Parking reforms can not only help tackle climate change, but also make public transport, walking, and cycling more accessible, attractive and affordable for all.

Also Read: How Parking Reforms Can Save a City

Wrapping Up

Fortunately, many cities, urban planners, and policymakers are starting to realize that the way they approach the design, construction, management, pricing, and enforcement of parking is a crucial tool. When used right, it can help alter obsolete parking policies, promote improved urban transport and encourage people to utilize healthier, affordable, and environmentally friendlier modes of conveyance.

Optimizing Existing Parking

Optimizing the usage of existing parking spots in residential and commercial areas is just as important as figuring out parking minimums for construction projects that are yet to make it out of the blueprints.

With more people than ever preferring to park using apps, operators are under pressure to offer digital parking solutions to their customers. With Get My Parking, you can automate and digitize your parking lot without having to invest in expensive brand-new equipment – our retrofit technology integrates seamlessly with your existing solutions to set up lightning-fast payment and access in your location via a custom-branded parking app.

Check out our website or contact us at sales@getmyparking.com to know more!