The implementation of a parking charge and its impacts on parking demand : the case of Valletta

Abstract

The aim of this research is to assess the impact of charging on parking demand in Valletta, and intends to establish whether the introduction of a parking charge can reduce commuter parking demand and improve the parking situation in Valletta. This case study was chosen as Valletta is the island’s main administrative and commercial centre experiencing high parking demand. Three research questions were set for this study (i) what is the supply and demand of parking in Valletta? (ii) will the introduction of a parking charge impact people’s modal choice? (iii) will the introduction of a parking charge impact people’s parking location? The above research questions were answered through the understanding of driver’s parking preferences, by using the utility theory as a theoretical framework. The stated preference survey offered different parking location and modal choice alternatives to discover which parking location or mode of transport the commuter would choose after the implementation of a parking charge. These alternatives include the following: On-street parking within Controlled Vehicular Access (CVA) boundary, on-street parking outside CVA boundary, off-street parking within CVA, On-street free parking outside the parking charging zones, off-street parking in private garages, Off-street parking with charge (Floriana ground or MCP car park), public transport / Ferry, carsharing, motorcycle, park and ride, and walking or cycing. Therefore, this dissertation deals with the analysis of choices that commuters make on their daily trips to work through the conduction of the stated preference surveys. Respondents who travel to Valletta using their private car for work purposes responded to the surveys. In addition, along with the surveys, two observations of parking turnover and parking allocation were also done. The surveys and observations were analysed using descriptive statistics, chi-squared tests and the Multinomial logistic regression model (MNL). The research concluded that Valletta’s parking demand does exceed the parking supply. Valletta’s available parking is mostly utilised by commuters leaving no vacant parking spots for visitors. As a result, if a parking charge is implemented for the currently free on-street parking, long term parking demand could be controlled and reduced, leaving more vacant parking spaces for short term stays. This management of parking demand would be accomplished through a modal shift for certain commuters along with changes in parking locations for those commuters who still prefer to travel by car. As a result, by controlling commuter parking demand, traffic inside Valletta is also reduced leaving the city less congested. In addition, limitations faced during the studies were also mentioned alongside with the recommendations for future studies and the implication for policy implementation.