This European Parking Congress, held in London in October 2003, declares that making the most of our parking policies and operations is essential for healthy and vital cities in the future.
Parking policies are integral parts of transport and traffic policies, supporting accessibility and economic growth.
Parking policies and the parking industry are not just about the operation of car parks and parking garages but also about the management and enforcement of on street parking activity and its impact on the design and management of our urban areas overall.
Parking policies also have a significant impact on local economies although this is complex and not just to do with charges. Overall access, parking availability and the general economic 'offer' of the area are more important.
The parking industry represents a measurable portion of Gross Domestic Product of more than Vt% and across Europe employs nearly 400,000 people. Moreover, the parking industry can be commercially successful in the right circumstances although this should not be seen by governments as a covert method of raising taxation.
Parking policies must also consider their impact on our environment and ensure that they are contributing to a future which is sustainable over the longer term.
The parking industry must make sure that its own operations are well designed and implemented and continue to demonstrate continuing improvements in quality of service, security and management. The parking industry must always remember that it is a service industry and must pay close attention to the needs of its customers.
The industry should also demonstrate that it is forward looking and uses technology to the full.
Above all, any approach to planning and operating parking must be recognised as a partnership matter with many stakeholders involved, whether they have an indirect or direct interest and whether from the private or public sectors. The parking industry should look to maximise the value they get out of such partnerships.
