Parking policy is a hot button issue. In densely populated urban areas, public space is a precious resource that should be rationally managed by considering the interests of all segments of the population, and not just those of car owners. The average car is only driven one hour per day, and many vehicles are parked on the street without being used for weeks on end, thus occupying space that could have been used for other purposes. This insight should guide parking policy decisions. Effective parking management can lower demand for parking spots, reduce the risk of accidents and free up public space for pedestrian and cyclists.
