AgdaPkt 2005-06-06 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

�A- zi What motivates parkers? In order to effectively use mazket-rate prices to create available spaces when and where they are needed, we must first understand what motivates parkers. Some feel that people will park where they "should." Merchants "should" park on side streets. Employees "should" park in the garage outside of the shopping area. Transit commuters "should" park at the transit garage. Indeed, they should. Unfortunately, people don't always do what they should. People tend to act in their individual self-interest when making decisions, and this includes when they are making decisions as to where to park. According to parking expert Donald Shoup, "most models of parking choice assume drivers act in their rational self interest, rather than for moral reason, in deciding whether to obey the law... The essence of parking enforcement is thus economic, and it is futile to rely on rules absent economic incentives." Australian parking researchers Russell Thompson and Anthony Richardson advise us to "assume that parkers are rational and will behave dishonestly if the effect (on the parker) is positive." Basically, carrots (rewards) and sticks (punishments) can influence people's decision on where to park, but appeals to moral virtue or concern for the common good will not. Mazket-rate pricing takes parkers' needs into account and appeals to those needs, enticing them to park where the downtown needs them to park. In order to understand the various needs of parkers, they can be divided into four groups. The Unpleasables The unpleasables are a small but vocal group of downtown pazkers. They want to park right in front of their destination, for free, all day. Sadly, nothing can be done to please them. Free parking will be jammed up and unavailable to them when they want it, and would thus anger them. Enforcement of time limits may free up a space or two for them, but then they may get a ticket, which of course will not please them. Charging them is of course upsetting, as is asking them to wa1k. The Dream Parkers The dream parkers are called such because they are a dream from the parking manager's point of view. T'hey are easy-going folks who just want to get out of their car and hit the sidewalks. They'll walk, they'll pay—they really don't mind what they have to do as long as it is reasonable. Unfortunately, they are also a small group. The vast majority of parkers fit into one of the next two categories. The Convenience Hunfers Convenience hunters want to be close to their destination. That is their primary concern. Usually they are coming to the area for a relatively short period of time to shop, eat, or run errands. They aze often in a hurry and this adds to their desire for close-in parking spots. Like everyone else they enjoy free parking, but they want a convenient space badly enough that they are willing to pay for it. page 15