1.2 Car journeys start and end at a parking space. Not only is car parking an important factor in determining travel choices, it is a major user of land resources. The need for parking restraint has been recognised by central government in the Transport White Paper, Regional Planning Policy and Planning Policy Guidance. For example, the Hampshire LTP seeks to halve the rate of traffic growth by 2020. The achievement of this target relies upon a modest shift in travel behaviour, and the implementation of a package of restraint measures.
Car parking is just one such measure.
If the provision of parking spaces is balanced by the availability of alternative transport modes, then car use can be reduced. Hampshire Parking Standards 2001 propose a level of parking provision that reflects existing public car parking facilities and accessibility by public transport and other alternatives to private car trips. There are also considerable pressures for new housing and commercial developments in Hampshire that will add to road traffic problems. If development can be located where its impact can be minimised, shorter journeys can be made by means other than the car, such as by walking or cycling, with high quality public transport providing for longer trips. 1.5 Parking provision has, until recently, been quoted in terms of the minimum number of spaces required.