4.4.1
Original Document
The control and management of the parking supply is usually a vital tool in influencing traffic levels. In Birmingham city centre, however, there is currently an over-supply of publicly available parking in certain areas. This allows us to think about the possibility of developing on some existing car parking sites. A city parking strategy is in preparation, for consultation. This will consider parking provision in the wider context of improvements in other modes of transport, the control of parking and the potential for more park and ride capacity.
Plain English Translation
Controlling car parking is a vital tool for controlling traffic. Some parts of Birmingham city centre currently have too many parking spaces, so some of these sites could be built on. We are working on a new plan for parking in the city, and will soon ask the public for their opinions. This will include plans for park and ride and how parking connects to improvements in other ways of travelling.
I understand this will not be a popular comment, but at the moment I feel it is far too easy and cheap to park a car in the city centre.
I notice that it is cheaper to pay for car parking in the City Council Moat House Lane car park (which is right by the BullRIng) than it is for a return bus fare. This isn't going to do much to encourage the use of public transport.
Providing car parking in the city only encourages commuters to use cars, and it generates revenue for the council that subsidises local taxes. However, there are 35 million cars on UK roads today (ref: SMMT) and this is increasing by 600,000 to 700,000 cars EVERY year! Estimates show that approximately 10% of these cars are travelling at any one time – which means that 90% are parked. As the second largest city we get more than our fare share of this problem. This growth is unsustainable and we must wean the public and car-park cash dependent councils to encourage use of public transport in urban areas.
Park & Ride is a great idea – but it will only work if the total journey time is equal or less; cheaper than travelling by car; and as comfortable as travelling by car… Unless car-parks are conveniently located and cheap, the buses are plentiful and clean and pleasant to travel on, and the journey from Park & Ride to the city is quicker then I fear this worthy alternative will be doomed…
New city centre apartment buildings should not need hundreds of car parking spaces. People living and working in the city centre should be able to walk to work and would have very little need to own a car. They could always join a car share scheme such as Whizzgo if a car is needed occasionally. The number of car parking spaces in the city centre should be slowly reduced and the space given over to bus and cycle lanes to encourage more sustainable methods of transport.