Sustainable Transport Strategy Car Parking Rates
Client: Port Phillip City Council
Project Summary: Preparation of Car Parking Requirements for new development, especially in and near Activity Centres, to support Port Phillip's Sustainable Transport Strategy.
Key Issues: The need to increase usage of sustainable transport modes to achieve environmental, economic and social objectives.
Contact: Russell Symons
"Sustainable" transport is the movement of people by modes which have a low level of environmental impact, particularly carpooling, using public transport, cycling or walking. In areas such as Port Phillip, the greatest potential for a more sustainable transport is to persuade office workers to commute by sustainable modes, rather than as drivers of private cars.
The Challenge:
To identify and apply evidence-based car parking provision rates which encourage wider usage of sustainable transport modes, while minimising negative (overspill parking) amenity on areas adjacent to new development.
The Approach:
Ratio examined existing data sources and the result of a number of specific sector-based surveys to ascertain parking demand for residential, office, retail and restaurant parking rates in the municipality. The likely potential for reduced parking rates by sector was then calculated, in conjunction with application of Council's sustainable transport policy. This was done by assessing the development site location, access to public transport, on-site and off-site improvements aimed at improved sustainable transport outcomes and application of reduced car parking rates. Ratio then developed a schedule of ‘sustainable parking rates' and discussed how it might be applied with the potential to collect funds that could contribute to sustainable transport infrastructure, including through the use of a Development Contribution Overlay and/ or Local Planning Policy.
The Result:
This project provides a good example how land use and transport planning can be integrated and better promoted through use of evidence-based policy analysis and application.
Ratio Consultants, in conjunction with Port Phillip City Council, received a commendation award for this project in the 2007 Planning Institute Australia Victoria awards for planning excellence.
