Evaluation of the parking permits scheme for residents in Thessaloniki, Greece

Parking management for promoting sustainable transport in urban neighbourhoods. A review of existing policies and challenges from a German perspective

“…To manage the permits, Dümmler and Hahn (2011) recommend municipalities develop a strategic citywide parking management concept before implementing a residential parking zone. Mintsis, Taxiltaris, Basbas & Stathis (2016) suggest municipalities be aware that convenient parking space reduces the likelihood of switching to more environmentally friendly modes of transport. In addition, the authors conclude that fees for parking permits and proof of no private parking space before issuing permits could be options to reduce the convenience of the permits.…”

“…In addition, the authors conclude that fees for parking permits and proof of no private parking space before issuing permits could be options to reduce the convenience of the permits. Moreover, municipalities should invest in marketing for car-free living for new residents and in the establishment of further instruments to influence mode choice and to reduce parking demand and land use (Dümmler & Hahn, 2011;Mintsis et al, 2016). For example, a residential parking permit was introduced in Thessaloniki, Greece, in 2007 in two different zones in the city.…”

“…It is free of charge, yet the permit does not guarantee a parking space because more permits are issued than there is available parking space. A survey with parking permit holders reveals that the educational level and time spent searching for parking affect the willingness to pay for the permit the most (Mintsis et al, 2016).…”

“…First, regarding the city's strategy, a parking policy needs to be considered as an integral part of transport policies and therefore it should fit into the broader transportation strategy of a city (Christiansen, Engebretsen et al, 2017;Van de Coevering & Snellen, 2008). Besides the structural implementation, the studies reviewed suggest integrated thinking about parking policy and planning between different departments of a municipality as well as the inclusion of residents and stakeholders in the decision-making process for acceptance of projects (Antonson et al, 2017;Mintsis et al, 2016). Second, many authors stress the inclusion of adjacent streets and neighbourhoods and their parking controls.…”

“…Despite only operating publicly owned parking spaces but not private ones, improved parking management might affect parking provision in a neighbourhood. As the amount of parking permits issued is within the municipality's jurisdiction, by enacting stricter requirements, the local authority can reduce the number of parking permit holders in an area (Dümmler & Hahn, 2011;Mintsis et al, 2016). At the same time, on-street parking might be reduced, partly moved to off-street parking in the form of a neighbourhood garage and the non-used onstreet parking areas might be used for other purposes.…”