Why Finding Parking is So Difficult
We’ve all been there: circling block after block, stressed out, biting our nails, running five minutes behind schedule, wishing for a parking spot to open up miraculously. So let’s be honest, finding parking can be frustrating and time-consuming, no matter where you live. In this short blog, we dive into why it is increasingly complex to find parking and offer solutions to fix some of these underlying issues we face daily. So for those curious about why finding parking is so difficult or those seeking ways to alleviate this issue, read on!
Parking Dilemma Causes
1. Limited Parking Space
One primary reason parking can be so aggravatingly tricky is the general need for more parking spots. Cities and downtown areas are densely populated, with limited sides of streets, lots, or garages, solely dedicated to parking. This lack of parking spots creates a lot of competition among drivers, thus creating daily frustration.
2. More Vehicles:
Despite many people living in cities where it is difficult to drive and own a car (expensive too), we continue to see a rising number of vehicles on the road. Naturally, this worsens the parking dilemma. With more car owners, the demand for parking spaces increases drastically while the supply often stays the same.
3. Inadequate Parking Infrastructure
With growing cities and more vehicles on the road, parking infrastructure needs help keeping up with the demands of the growing population. Inadequate parking infrastructure stems from many things, such as flawed urban planning, bad future planning, and outdated parking systems making parking difficult and time-consuming resulting in more traffic in heavily populated areas. Many cities were designed for fewer vehicles than they now see on their streets. Consequently, there is a massive need for more parking for city residents and visitors alike.
4. Parking Pricing and Regulations
Strict parking regulations and high pricing add to the parking challenge. While regulations are always essential in preventing misuse of parking (i.e., vehicles parked illegally, parked in handicapped parking, parked in loading zones, overstaying time limits, etc.) and maintaining a safe level of security, these rules frequently take up a lot of seemingly available spots that drives are very enticed to take. Additionally, parking locations that charge expensive rates are less frequented by drivers due to high costs, thus further adding to the parking problem.
5. Inadequate Technology
As previously alluded to, outdated parking systems and a lack of advanced technology have contributed to many cities’ ongoing parking dilemmas. Time is wasted trying to find parking circling block after block every day. There needs to be an easier way of finding parking every day. The parking infrastructure can change the tide of things by implementing smart parking solutions, such as license plate recognition cameras, mobile parking apps, and access control systems.
Parking Dilemma Solutions
Addressing the parking problem requires a multi-sided solution that combines efficient urban planning and advanced parking technology. Here are some likable solutions for all cities facing parking issues.
1. Better Urban Planning
There are always new urban developments undergoing construction in cities. For these developments, prioritizing parking should be top-of-mind! Furthermore, if this project has the space, build out more of a parking infrastructure to accommodate transient renters seeking parking in the area. This opens a new revenue stream for the property and helps chip away at cities’ parking problems. (Check out a case study on a property that boosted its parking revenue by $34k by opening available parking spaces to transient renters seeking parking.)
2. Smart Parking Solutions
Technology has advanced so that even parking has smart parking systems. By implementing smart parking systems, drivers can tell in real time if spaces are available. Furthermore, some smart parking solutions providers like ParqEx allow drivers to book a parking spot in advance on their mobile parking app, saving time and eliminating the need to circle block after block looking for parking. Solutions such as these do their part and then some in resolving the parking dilemma.
3. Effective Parking Enforcement
Enforcement of parking is essential and, more often than not, needs to be more streamlined. For parking facilities, varying enforcement tools like ParqEx’s Enforcer app helps monitor all parking spots on the property and ensure that no unauthorized parkers are taking up spots that other renters could use, thus maximizing the utilization of all existing parking spaces.
The parking dilemma is a thorny problem that stems from limited city space, the increasing number of vehicles on the road, inefficient infrastructure, and inadequate parking technology. Through better urban planning, smart parking solutions, and adequate parking enforcement, we can start fixing each urban area’s parking problem. For cities and property owners seeking a smart parking solution to combat why finding parking is so difficult, ParqEx has you covered. Book a demo with our team, and we will get the ball rolling for you!
