What is a "parking shortage" (and Why do we insist on quotation marks)?

Often, a "parking shortage" is a perceived issue that does not stem from a lack of parking spaces but rather from a gap between the low price of street parking and the higher parking prices in nearby parking lots. This gap encourages the frugal driver to spend long minutes searching for a parking space on the street, and the driver who tends to disregard conventions and be inconsiderate may even park illegally. To the casual observer, the behavior of drivers might appear to be evidence of a severe parking shortage, but reality often shows that such a shortage does not actually exist. Even in areas where there is a common belief in a "parking shortage," there are actually plenty of parking spaces, and the shortage is often in knowledge about the number, location (both on the street and in public and private parking lots), and occupancy rate throughout the day.

Although the decision to go on long, exhausting searches for parking may seem rational from the perspective of the individual driver, it is not socially rational because it leads to unnecessary air pollution, adds to traffic congestion, and harms other road users. In places where the price of street parking is similar to that of parking in lots (e.g., Amsterdam), drivers searching for free parking spaces on the street are almost nonexistent. Therefore, from now on, don't say "parking shortage," say "parking management shortage."

Experience shows that even in residential neighborhoods where street parking is not properly managed, even private parking spaces attached to residential buildings are sometimes underutilized. In fact, any additional step in the routine of entering private parking—waiting for a robotic device, descending to an underground parking lot, opening a gate that takes time, or manoeuvring into a parking space at the back of a building—reduces the utilization of private parking spaces. Sometimes, the occupancy rate of private parking spaces is only 60-70%, while the street occupancy rate exceeds 100%, with vehicles parked on sidewalks and blocking pedestrian crossings. In new neighbourhoods with many underground parking lots, we even witness larger gaps than these.

Parking policy is a politically charged issue, and as such, it serves as a battleground between elected officials, the public and authorities, and residents and business owners. Incorrect parking policies, or the absence of parking management and pricing policies, also harm efforts to improve public space. They hinder the promotion of sustainable transportation modes, going hand in hand with resistance from residents and businesses to any measures in these directions. It is important to create mechanisms that reduce these conflicts while simultaneously improving services for all parties in the city.