Technology the answer to parking woes

Smartphone apps that connect motorists with privately owned parking spaces around major transport hubs and on-street parking guidance systems to help motorists find available parking faster can help solve some of greater Sydney’s traffic problems, according to a National Roads & Motorists’ Association (NRMA) report.

The NRMA’s Parking Report 2015, released in the lead-up to the March state election, is calling on the next NSW Government to significantly increase the amount of parking at major transport hubs, identifying Campbelltown and Penrith in Sydney and the Central Coast as key areas for investment.

The report calls on councils that raise more than $1 million a year through parking fines to make it easier for motorists to contest parking fines, by establishing independent parking review panels similar to those set up in Parramatta and Hurstville.

The report highlights that since Parramatta Council established its community panel in 2011, parking fine revenue fell by 35%.

The report also calls on whoever wins the 28 March state election to:

• guarantee no increase in the parking levy for the next four years, after the levy was more than doubled by the previous NSW Government in 2008;
• guarantee that the parking levy will not be expanded to cover councils not currently affected;
• hypothecate all revenue raised through the parking space levy (expected to be $115 million in 2017/18) to a newly created Public Transport Fund to fund the construction of parking facilities around public transport hubs;
• consider legislation that requires all councils that raise more than $1 million in parking fine revenue to  direct these funds into fixing local roads; and
• partner with western Sydney councils and the private sector to trial peer-to-peer parking apps and parking guidance systems on local streets around major parking hubs.

The NRMA began its campaign to see improvements to commuter car parks around train stations in 2008. Since that time, significant improvements have been made with almost 60 train stations across the NSW network either having new parking facilities built or existing facilities upgraded.

NRMA President Kyle Loades said the state had come a long way in improving parking facilities at train stations; however, there was still significant work to be done.

“There is more commuter parking at key transport hubs than ever before but we still have a way to go,” Loades said.

“For example, we know that most parking facilities around train stations are at capacity before 7 am, so if we want to encourage more people out of their cars and on public transport that needs to change, especially in key areas such as Campbelltown and Penrith.

“Poor access to local parking makes life harder for people trying to access public transport and local shopping districts - it not only makes it harder for local families to get around but it’s also hurting local businesses.

“While building more parking spaces is an obvious part of the solution, we also know that the status quo isn’t good enough. That’s why the NRMA is calling on the NSW Government, local councils and the private sector to look to innovation for long-term solutions to the parking problems facing greater Sydney.”

The NRMA also wants the next NSW Government to work with the private sector and local councils to increase peer-to-peer parking, particularly around major transport hubs.

“Private parking is an untapped resource that we need to get smart about using,” Loades said.

“New technology that enables people with unused parking spots to rent them out to motorists is an innovative way of reducing the burden on existing facilities and helping people earn some money while maximising unused parking - it’s a win-win.

“This NRMA report into parking calls on the next NSW Government to begin trialling this latest technology in selected councils across western Sydney, in addition to growing the number of parking spaces available to the public.

“More parking and technology that gets the motorist to their parking space faster is critical to tackling congestion, increasing the uptake in public transport and supporting local businesses.”