This section looks at design solutions to accommodating the car and if that means reduced parking or parking designed into areas so as to not compromise quality or quantity of public/private space.

Topics covered include types of car parking and arrangements, car sharing, cycle parking, facilities, routes, and how to achieve a safe and attractive environment; attention should be given to changing requirements for parking in the future and how these changes can be effectively futureproofed into current design, however it remains important to address how parking at the existing rate of car ownership can be accommodated successfully into design. Either the amount of parking has to be substantially reduced or cars need to be accommodated in a way that does not compromise the required quality and quantity of public and private space. This has been demonstrated through adaptable layouts or varieties of parking.

Key Messages

• All forms of parking should be clearly identifiable yet suitably integrated into the public realm. The provision of parking should not dominate the public realm.
• The EPOA Essex Parking Standards should be referred to in terms of parking provision and detailed design.
• Covered and secured cycle storage should be located in prominent and accessible locations, for all ages and range of physical and mental abilities, as part of the design of new homes. Cycle parking should be provided as part of the internal arrangement of residential garages.
• Cycle parking should be provided at key destinations and should be easily accessible, prominent, safe, conveniently located and secure. Welfare facilities for cyclists should also be provided at all large employers.
• On-street vehicle parking should not restrict access to footpaths and cycleways.
• All forms of parking should be connected to and enabled for smart infrastructure.
• All forms of parking should be futureproofed, allowing for adaptation at a future date.

Key Questions

• Have the EPOA Essex Parking Standards been complied with?
• Are walking and cycle routes supported by infrastructure such as seating, shelter and cycle parking?
• How many cycle parking spaces have been provided per property?
• Is safe, convenient and secure cycle parking provided for all types of cycles at all key destinations?
• Is dedicated cycle parking provided at the front of community and non-residential buildings?
• Is secure, convenient and covered residential cycle storage provided in a prominent location that encourages cycle use over car use?
• Has on-street parking been designed to avoid cars parking on footways and cycleways?
• Has thought been given to connecting the parking to relevant smart technology?
• Has consideration been given to how car parking spaces can be adapted and changed in future?
• Are all forms of parking accessible to people of all ages and a range of physical and mental abilities?