In this Dutch study the effects of introducing car-free inner cities on bordering residential areas were studied. Many cities designate their centres car-free in order to increase the quality of living, and to restore accessibility for essential traffic to the inner cities. Reduced parking space and increased rates force visitors to either change their transport means or park their cars in the bordering residential areas; the latter causes new parking problems for residents of those areas. The one solution offered by local authorities is permit parking. This solution is acceptable to most residents, provided it is effective (enforcement), the charge for permits is low, and some parking space is reserved for visitors of residents. Designating inner cities car-free demands a plan that includes both the down town area and the bordering residential areas. Besides, discouraging car use is only effective if more facilities for pedestrians, bikers and public transport are stimulated. If permit parking in residential areas is used to solve the parking scarcity, the permit must be introduced in all bordering areas. If only the operating cost of a residential area's own parking system is accounted for, the charge for permits can be very low (about 20 Dutch guilders). Residents of bordering areas should not be made to compensate for losses from the exploitation of down town parking. (A)
Samenvatting