MEASURE TM17 – On-Street Parking states: The NTA will support local authorities in seeking to reduce the level of free or cheaply available on-street parking with a view to the reallocation of the roadspace to sustainable modes, and/or the implementation of charging regimes which facilitates motorists contributing to the local economy.
This measure is not articulated in a way that is helpful to achieving a clear modal shift away from driving short distances to a local shop and a clear transition to sustainable and vibrant public realm spaces. Research generally shows a significant increase in footfall in local businesses where there has been a transition to cycling and walking as the predominant transport mode. There is no clear 'charging regime' that would 'facilitate motorists contributing to the local economy'. Also, such a measure should be evidence based.
The measure would be more beneficial in supporting local authorities and communities to plan for change with a measure that states: The NTA will support local authorities to reduce the level of free or cheaply available on-street parking with a view to the reallocation of the roadspace to sustainable modes.
As the current status quo is on-street parking, which we need to move away from, a high-bar of evidence should be required for demonstrating local economy impacts for continuation of on-street parking with varied charging regimes. This evidence should take community and environmental impact into account. Currently, moves to transition away from on-street parking are resisted with arguments about impacts on local businesses yet I have yet to find empirical evidence to support these claims. Where the measure includes the provision in the final clause it should state a clear requirement for evidence that factors in negative consequences also.