Parking policy is arguably an undervalued topic in urban planning. Its influence cuts across many spheres of urban development. The availability and cost of parking directly informs residential and office development economics and decisions, particularly in inner city locations. Managing parking is a key travel demand management tool that can support the viability and vitality of centres.
This paper sets out the influence of parking policy on urban development in Sydney within the context of planning policy objectives. It focuses on commercial development at a macro (metropolitan wide) scale. Innovative approaches to parking policy are then explored from an urban economics perspective.