Improving parking management

Summary

Parking policies and parking pricing measures can be used to reduce traffic in congested areas and improve the urban environment.

Implementing sustainable mobility

Parking management involves an integrated package of strategies to locate and price parking in more sustainable ways. It is designed to improve quality of life in urban spaces in sensitive city areas. The aim of the measure implemented in Preston was to develop an equitable pricing structure for both on-street and off-street parking, to use parking pricing as a demand management measure, and to reduce commuter and long-stay parking in inappropriate locations (such as central and residential areas).

Progress

The first step undertaken was to identify existing problems by surveying the attitudes of residents and businesses to on-street and off-street parking. Potential elements of the new parking policy included the extension or establishment of: parking zones for residents; on-street paid parking zones; loading bays; and parking bays for people with reduced mobility. In the town of Leyland, near Preston, for example, parking pricing was explored as a way of freeing up parking spaces around the railway station to provide greater opportunities for park and ride use.  

Outcomes

The measure resulted in improved information (better signage, web portal), improved park and ride facilities and the establishment of a coordinated group of public and private parking operators.

Results from two surveys conducted in relation to parking policy in Preston showed an increase in the use of car parks for park and ride purposes. Respondents stated that their choice of car park in Preston was based on distance to destination and that the main reason for travelling into the city was shopping. Concerns were raised by respondents that some parking charges could become too high.

This fact sheet has been updated by a third party on the basis of available information (not by the city itself), therefore we do not guarantee any data with respect to their content, completeness or up-to-dateness.