Findings and recommendations
The Inward investment interview findings
Research into the impact of maximum car parking standards from an inward investor's
point of view has uncovered a range of views and opinions.
In general it appears that when considering locations car parking is a concern,
but one of many concerns that are to be considered throughout the decision making
process. From an inward investors' point of view car parking is unlikely to
come into the decision making process until a specific area or range of potential
locations have been identified. At this point it is often the case that a potential
occupier/developer will enter into negotiation with the statutory authorities
over the provision of car parking and measures/initiatives to encourage a greater
modal split for workplace journeys. This is where a national set of standards
has the potential to assist in alleviating area based arguments where car parking
may be an important factor.
With respect to inward investment this research exercise has illustrated a shift
in emphasis by LECs and Local Authorities away from targeting large scale inward
investment opportunities. It appears that the emphasis has now shifted in favour
of encouraging indigenous expansion and employment creation at a local scale
to try and maximise local economic benefits and secure long term economic growth.
This trend is developing nationally in line with the Scottish Executive's policies
and is likely to lead to a greater emphasis on relocations within, and between
Local Authorities, potentially highlighting the need for a level playing field
in considering car parking as a locational consideration.
Whilst transport is a primary issue for locational decision making, parking
is a secondary issue which will probably not be considered until comparing sites
at a local level.
A comment encountered during this study was that the research is slightly premature
in that maximum standards are only beginning to be used in Scotland and those
examples where they have been used, the process is still being finished off
or is only in its very early stages of operation.
For a full copy of the Governments Report visit http://www.scotland.gov.uk
Or download the pdf http://www.scotland.gov.uk/cru/kd01/blue/emcps.pdf
