-
Curbside Vacancy Rates
OVERVIEW
Curbside vacancy rates refers to the rate of availability of curbside parking spaces in urban areas. In many urban areas, curbside parking is in great demand, Standard meter rates, where meters exist at all, for curbside parking are generally set far below their market value, which results in excessive cruising for spaces, and limits nearby retail sales. This in turn stifles the local economy, increases traffic and air pollution, and reduces safety for pedestrians and bicyclists.[1] Meter rates can be adjusted to provide a better balance between parking supply and demand, in order to achieve a desired vacancy rate supportive of the local residents and merchants. This is an example of carefully considering municipal
parking policy
to eliminate market distortions and achieve a more functional transportation system.
Ideal Vacancy Rate
Parking supply expert
Donald Shoup
argues that, to provide at least one open parking space on every block at all times (or one vacancy for every eight spaces), a 15% vacancy rate is necessary. Parking meter charges can be raised or lowered until the 15% vacancy rate is achieved. Where more sophisticated, computer networked parking meter systems are in place, the hourly charge can be adjusted for different times of day or days of the week to ensure the appropriate rate is being charged to achieve the target vacancy rate. The computer can set the rate by tracking vacancies. However, this requires that each space be equipped with devices to detect the presence or absence of a parked vehicle. This technology exists and is available "off the shelf."
Is Market Rate Fair?
Opponents of adjusting parking meter rates upward argue that lower income drivers are disproportionately impacted. This may be true in areas where there are no alternatives to driving. However, in areas with good transit service, it is the middle to upper income residents who are most likely to be impacted. If this is not the case, meter rates can be set very low for the first two hours, and then increased to market levels. This might mean, for example, a rate of $1.50 per hour for the first two hours, and then $8 per hour thereafter. This two-hour "limit" coincides with a typical short-term visit to a mixed-use district, to shop, obtain services, have a meal, or some combination thereof. Long-term parkers such as shop employees or residents are discouraged from using the most convenient, short-term spaces, and may either seek more suitable long-term parking spaces, or opt to travel by another mode.
Keeping the Revenues Local
Initially, merchants and residents typically oppose raising meter rates to the level necessary to provide the target vacancy rate. As a selling point,
parking meter districts
can be established which retain some or all of the revenues within the district, to upgrade and clean sidewalks, provide landscaping and amenities such as benches and awnings, and/or pay for dedicated planning staff, security services, or historic preservation measures for the district. Pasadena, California, utilized this strategy to completely turn around a derelict downtown, transforming it into an vibrant mixed-use, pedestrian-friendly area which is now a major shopping and tourist destination.
This article is a stub. You can help StreetsWiki by expanding it.
ALSO ON THE LIVABLE STREETS NETWORK
REFERENCES
Each source is referred to by the same number every time it is cited. Please keep citation style consistent.
[1] Schaller, Bruce. Finding a parking space, Gotham Gazette. March 2007.
[2]
[3]
[4]
PICTURE REFERENCES
Pictures are cited in the order they appear above. Please keep citation style consistent.
[1] Courtesy of Dan Burden and Pedestrian Bicycle Information Center Photo Library.
[2] Courtesy of Dan Burden and Pedestrian Bicycle Information Center Photo Library.
