A charity has called for car parking provision at new housing developments to be capped at a maximum of one space per property.
Parking spaces in new housing developments should be limited to a maximum of one per property to increase the use of shared transport, according to a report from the shared transport charity, Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK).
The charity called for planning policy to be redefined to centre on ‘people and place’, rather than cars, to encourage the use of shared services like car clubs and bike hire.
In a new guide, CoMoUK also said that hubs for active and shared modes of transport, as well as public transport, should be located closer to people’s front doors to make them more convenient.
Limiting space for private cars and moving parking spaces off-site or to the edge of developments in so-called ‘parking barns’ would cut car dependency and free up space for other purposes like play areas, the charity said.
The charity also said that the current National Planning Policy Framework for England makes it difficult for councils to refuse applications that don’t go far enough on shared transport proposals.
CoMoUK said planning policy should be revised to ensure it centres on shared transport and delivers access to key amenities such as shops and healthcare via sustainable transport modes or in walking distance.
It says this approach should be formalised through supplementary planning guidance.
‘The UK Government’s commitments to reduce emissions shows the need to move to decarbonising options like shared transport,’ said Richard Dilks, chief executive of CoMoUK.
‘This behavioural change can be achieved through spatial planning design which encourages a shift away from low occupancy private car use.
‘New developments are continuing to be designed and built that do not properly consider the important role shared transport can play in delivering sustainability.
‘Our study shows that making shared transport and active travel more convenient than car use will reduce people’s dependency on private vehicles.’
