The role of parking in the EU green deal

Owners of multi-storey and underground car garages have a vital role to play in implementing these measures. As they are often the largest gross space users, implementing environmental sustainability goals into their daily operations has a trickle-down effect on the property as a whole. The value of the property increases, it becomes more efficient and sustainable to operate and they can contribute significantly towards the Green Deal goals to cut carbon emissions.

This electric and shared mobility revolution of the parking sector would not be possible without a concurrent digital revolution. Parking apps, platform management tools, big data, AI, and machine learning are key components for creating a smooth user experience. Additionally, data sharing between the public and private sectors (and academia) can promote a truer integrated mobility solution that benefits all. The European Parking Association plays a pivotal role in facilitating this collaboration.

Finally, as cities across the EU reduce on-street parking in favour of pedestrians and bike paths, we are witnessing a major revenue shift from municipality-controlled parking (on-street) to private parking owners (off-street). While this creates an easy revenue stream for parking owners, the effects on sustainability goals are still up in the air, especially if electrification and digitisation are not integrated into parking.

Other Key Takeaways: Paradigm Shifts, Car-Free Cities, and Beyond

If we are to implement electrification, digitisation, and the creation of mobility hubs, we also have to consider what kind of policy changes need to be implemented. Parking has historically had a negative image in the public policy and city planning sector but the role of parking in sustainability can no longer be ignored.

A paradigm shift in how we view parking needs to take place: the often dogmatic thinking of city planners and policymakers needs to shift towards thinking of parking as a solution, and not a problem in itself. Parking will always be a necessity in any urban setting, and any plans for improving air quality within cities and improving livability need to consider parking management.

Coming back to EVs and electrification, building charging stations become critical as on-street parking reduces. This area is extremely challenging in both the public and private sectors, requiring massive investments in energy infrastructure by municipalities, energy companies, and parking owners. Municipalities don’t always have the budget or political support to implement electrification strategies, and while this is changing, there’s a long way to go. Government support, through regulations requiring the installation of charging stations or through financial subsidies, can ensure increased adoption of EVs and equitable access to charging for communities and neighbourhoods. Facilitating the adoption of home charges in existing private parking spaces and mandating EV charging facilities in new constructions is important. At the same time, the installation of charging stations in existing garages and car parks can be undertaken by local governments in collaboration with parking operators.

To sum up, the key takeaways from the EPA Congress this year emphasise the role of parking in achieving the goals of the EU Green Deal. Reducing emissions through efficient technology-led parking services and mobility hubs can make city centres less congested while boosting the user experience of city residents. A combination of changes in public policy and digitisation of parking services sets us on a path towards cleaner, greener, and more livable cities.

related articles

DISRUPTION OF THE PARKING INDUSTRY
CERTIFIED INTELLIGENCE
DATA DRIVEN TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT: A QUESTION OF TRUST