SUMP in Gdańsk – Parking Policy

The policy of sustainable mobility development and transport should endeavor to reduce car numbers and the number of private car journeys in the total number of daily trips, by creating attractive alternatives. Meeting the growing demand for parking supply according to growing numer of cars negatively affect comfort and safety as well as the propensity to use active forms of mobility in residents’ everyday life. There is a need for development of the way to manage demand for parking space by creating an appropriate system of zones varying restrictiveness of parking space in the central areas of the city, close to large traffic (academic institutions, hospitals, and office buildings etc.) and public transport stops (especially rail) in a polycentric agglomeration. Private cars are used for one hour per day on average; therefore the stationary movement requires special attention. The construction of large parking lots is not only costly but very often contrary to the spirit of environmental protection. An effective approach to the theme of car parking is more about an efficient operation or management of parking space. In the context of transport in the city there are not too many areas that could bring so many benefits to the quality of life, changing attitudes and changing means of transport, as a parking space management. While working on parking policy, plenty meetings were organized. There were regular meetings of CityMobilNet core group, a workshop with external expert Mr. Claus Köllinger, two workshops for counselors of Local Districts and NGOs and a workshop for all citizens. The results and conclusions from all meetings are included in the document called Parking Policy of Gdańsk, which will also be a part of our SUMP.