The Arizona State University study on parking infrastructure in Los Angeles provides a compelling insight into the complex relationship between urban parking availability and its broader impacts on city life, including automobile use, congestion, and public transit engagement. This comprehensive research sheds light on the historical evolution of parking spaces in Los Angeles from 1900 to the present day, revealing critical findings that have significant implications for urban planning and policy development.
Conducted in collaboration with UCLA and Georgia Tech, the study meticulously analyzed the types, numbers, and locations of parking spaces in Los Angeles, uncovering that most parking infrastructure was developed between 1950 and 1980. Currently, Los Angeles boasts approximately 18.6 million parking spaces, equating to 3.3 spaces for each of the 5.6 million vehicles in the city. This extensive provision of parking has been pivotal in shaping Los Angeles’s urban landscape, characterized by its sprawling, car-centric development.
One of the study’s principal findings is the identification of a surplus of parking spaces, leading to an “abundant and underpriced parking infrastructure” that significantly influences automobile ownership and usage patterns. The research indicates that the oversupply of parking encourages driving as a primary mode of transportation, contributing to higher levels of congestion and air pollution while detracting from the utilization of public transit options.
The historical analysis reveals that the growth of parking spaces was largely driven by minimum parking requirements embedded in zoning ordinances. These regulations, aimed at accommodating peak demand times, resulted in the construction of a large number of spaces that are frequently underutilized. Furthermore, the study highlights the impact of underpriced parking on driving costs, making it a more attractive option compared to alternative transportation methods.
The Arizona study advocates for a strategic reduction in parking supply as a means to discourage excessive automobile use and promote more sustainable modes of transportation. By repurposing existing parking spaces for alternative land uses, cities can alleviate housing shortages, enhance public spaces, and support more compact, walkable urban environments. This approach aligns with broader goals of reducing car dependency, mitigating congestion, and improving air quality in urban areas.
The Arizona State University study offers invaluable insights into the dynamics of parking infrastructure and its far-reaching effects on urban development and transportation patterns. By challenging conventional parking policies and advocating for innovative land use strategies, this research contributes to the ongoing discourse on creating more sustainable and livable cities.
For policymakers, urban planners, and stakeholders, the findings underscore the need for a paradigm shift in how parking is integrated into the urban fabric. Embracing these recommendations could pave the way for more efficient, equitable, and environmentally friendly urban centers that prioritize people over cars.