Queensland Walks – Submission to BCC Parking Taskforce
Queensland Walks is a volunteer community group that encourages and promotes
walking as a healthy, sustainable and equitable form of transport and recreational
activity. We aim to help improve conditions for walking in Queensland through action
plans, education and working with government agencies.
Background to car parking
Queensland Walks recognises that a large proportion of personal travel within
Brisbane occurs in cars, and that cars will remain a major component of travel. As
such, parking is required for cars. However, Queensland Walks notes that the
presence of car parking, especially free or cheap car parking provides an (often
unconscious) incentive to drive. As such, Council has an opportunity to influence
people’s decision to drive or use other forms of transport to reach their destination.
Queensland Walks also notes that those who use public transport are also more likely
to walk to their bus, train or ferry stop, and that large amounts of car parking around
these services can often act as a disincentive to walking by providing an unpleasant
and unsafe walking environment.
Queensland Walks
Queensland Walks also recognises that requirements for the provision of car parking
imposes costs on development, which may not be necessary in some cases (close to
dense urban areas and high frequency public transport) and imposes additional costs
on the community. Similarly, Queensland Walks believes that car parking should be
restricted in certain areas, either through a price disincentive, time limitations, or
otherwise prohibited in order to discourage driving and/or provide parking for those
who require it.
Areas where car parking should be restricted
 Schools. Parents dropping their children off at schools pose the greatest threat
of injury and death to schoolchildren. As such, parking around schools within
a certain zone (e.g. 200m) should be restricted, with children being able to
walk the final distance without hindrance of cars. It would be good to see this
accompanied by an increase in funding for the council’s Active Schools
program.
 Public transport services. Rather than surround public transport hubs with
unsightly car parking, the areas around these important transport destinations
should be seen as safe and attractive, encouraging people to walk to public
transport.
 Shopping neighbourhoods. Brisbane has a number of lovely neighbourhood
shopping strips that provide valuable community hubs. Parking should be
designed to encourage increased pedestrian traffic, especially as studies show
that (contrary to the view of most shop owners) customers arriving by foot,
bike and public transport generally spend more than those arriving by car.
CBD and inner city
Brisbane’s inner city footpaths experience significant congestion, especially in office
hours. Pedestrian movement can often be difficult, with many obstructions. With the
aim of moving towards a CBD that accommodates and welcomes movement and
sitting by people, Queensland Walks supports the gradual removal of kerbside car
parking where possible, and replacing it with increased space for people. This has
proved very popular as seen in Brisbane’s Queen Street Mall as well as examples in
other Australian and overseas cities.
We further believe that weekend restrictions should not be dissimilar to weekdays.
The CBD is increasingly well serviced by public transport services on weekends, and
many people take the opportunity on weekends to stroll, and experience the city in a
different light. Easing parking will encourage more people to drive into the area,
lessening the ambience and safety of people walking.
Enforcement
Queensland Walks is most concerned about enforcing parking restrictions in
situations where pedestrian comfort and safety is compromised.
Footpath parking
Queensland Walks is particularly concerned about the number of people that park cars
on or across footpaths, hindering people wanting to walk, especially those with
wheelchairs or prams. It would appear that many people either do not know or do not
care that this practise is illegal. Queensland Walks encourages and would support a
council campaign to address this issue.
Queensland Walks believes that the provision of parking (or it’s lack) plays an
important role in the choices people make about travelling to their desired locations.
As such, we believe council should generally aim to restrict parking in locations, and
resist adding more unless necessary. We welcome the opportunity to make this
submission and are available for further opportunities to consult on this issue.
Regards
Queensland Walks
Queensland Walks