Extracting maximum benefit from parking policy: 10 years experience in Perth, Australia

In 2007, a review of the Perth Parking Policy was undertaken by Sinclair Knight Merz. The review found that in general terms, the Perth Parking Policy positively contributes to state transport and land use policies to improve the economic, environmental and social health of central Perth. Although it is not possible to quantify the contribution the Perth Parking Policy has made to a reduced car driver mode share for trips to central Perth, it has played a strong supporting role as part of an integrated package of measures that has restrained the growth of car travel to, from and within central Perth. The Perth Parking Policy has also contributed to improvement to the central Perth public transport system by providing funding for the free CAT (Central Area Transit) bus services and compensating for revenue loss from operation of the free transit zone within the Perth parking management area. Overall it is considered that the Perth Parking Policy has had a positive influence and has not acted against achievement of any of the objectives. There was concern in some quarters that restraint on car travel by limiting growth in parking bays may impact negatively on the economic vitality of the City, however that has not occurred. Both employment and commercial floorspace have grown strongly and there is a high level of optimism in relation to CBD retail.