摘要: |
The overloaded demand for parking in Central Business District (CBD) and residential areas is no longer a focused issue for cities in the developed world. The on going debate on the forms of cities and land use planning has been continuing for years to minimise the negative impact brought by the extensive use of motor vehicles. Along with the change of life styles due to the advanced mobility in the developed countries, many of the developing countries, such as China, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia, vehicle ownership is increasing at a speed competing with their economic growth rates. It appears that this trend will continue for years to come. The strong economic activities have resulted in various infrastructure expansions and the change of personal travel behaviour. This was not expected by transport authorise and planning communities before hand. Consequently, traffic congestions and other negative sides induced by vehicular activities are gradually putting pressures on transport systems and the principles of town planning. This paper attempts to address the importance of parking control and management for cities experiencing dramatic expansion, but the provision of parking has not been making as a priority at planning and management stages. In discussing the specific issues, the case in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia will be used as an example to demonstrate some common phenomenon and a framework on parking policies in the development of cities will be proposed. |