New government planning guidelines have said that to combat climate change, parking provision at new housing developments should be “reduced at all urban locations,” and, in certain areas, be “minimised, substantially reduced or wholly eliminated.”
The recommendation comes from a newly-released government document entitled “Sustainable Residential Development and Compact Settlements: Guidelines for Planning Authorities”.
“NECESSARY” TO MOVE AWAY FROM PRIVATE CAR USE “AT EVERY LEVEL”
This document says it is “necessary” to design settlements to “support the transition away from private car use” at “every level.”
“In order to meet the targets set out in the National Sustainable Mobility Policy 2022 for reduced private car travel and increased active travel, it will be necessary to design settlements at every level to support the transition away from private car use and to support ease of movement for pedestrians, cyclists, and public transport,” the document reads.
CAR PARKING IN NEW DEVELOPMENTS SHOULD BE “MINIMISED” SO AS NOT TO DISRUPT WALKING, CYCLING
It further says that the amount of car parking in new developments “should be minimised” in order to “ensure that vehicular movement does not impede active modes of travel” or “have undue prominence within the public realm.”
“Active travel” refers to walking, cycling, non-motorised scooters, and other self-powered forms of transportation.
The document goes on to say that studies show reducing the number of available car spaces causes people to walk, cycle and use public transport more.
STUDIES SHOW REDUCING CAR PARKING CAUSES PEOPLE TO WALK, CYCLE OR TAKE PUBLIC TRANSPORT
“The availability of car parking has a critical impact on travel choices for all journeys, including local trips,” it reads, adding that in cities and large towns, the number of locations that are accessible by a short walk, short cycle or public transport are increasing “all the time.”
“In areas where car-parking levels are reduced, studies show that people are more likely to walk, cycle, or choose public transport for daily travel,” it continues.
“In order to meet the targets set out in the National Sustainable Mobility Policy 2022 and in the Climate Action Plan 2023 for reduced private car travel, it will be necessary to apply a graduated approach to the management of car parking within new residential development.”
The document says that this should be done to “promote more sustainable travel choices.”
CAR PARKING SHOULD BE “MINIMISED, SUBSTANTIALLY REDUCED, OR WHOLLY ELIMINATED” IN SOME AREAS
“Car parking ratios should be reduced at all urban locations, and should be minimised, substantially reduced or wholly eliminated at locations that have good access to urban services and to public transport,” it reads.
“In areas where car parking is reduced, local authorities should be satisfied that the mobility needs of residents and workers can be satisfied (e.g. through shared mobility solutions such as car and bike share).”
The document also puts maximum limits on how many car parking spaces a house can have depending on where it is located.
It says that new housing developments in cities and city suburbs will only be allowed to have a maximum of 1 parking space per dwelling.
In “accessible locations” – i.e. areas outside of cities, but which can access cities relatively easily by bus – a maximum of 1.5 parking spaces are allowed.
For “intermediate” and “peripheral locations”, which are further away from cities, a maximum of 2 parking spaces per home are allowed.
THOSE SEEKING PLANNING PERMISSION MUST PROVIDE “JUSTIFICATION” FOR THE NUMBER OF CAR PARKING SPACES THEY WANT
It further adds that those applying for planning permission will have to provide a “justification” for the number of car parking spaces proposed, and to convince the planning authority that their suggested number is “appropriate.”
“Applicants should be required to provide a rationale and justification for the number of car parking spaces proposed and to satisfy the planning authority that the parking levels are necessary and appropriate, particularly when they are close to the maximum provision,” the document reads.
However, it clarifies: “The maximum car parking standards do not include bays assigned for use by a car club, designated short stay on–street Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations or accessible parking spaces.”
RYAN PROPOSES REMOVING CAR PARKING SPACES FROM PUBLIC SERVANTS
The news comes just days after Transport Minister Eamon Ryan announced plans to remove car parking spaces from public servants, which will be brought to the Cabinet in the coming weeks.
Calling the plan part of a “radical shift,” Ryan said: “The more we can make a switch away from a car-dominated society means there will be less gridlock, less emissions and lives saved.”