Reducing private car use not only requires improvements in public transit, cycling, and walking facilities, but also better management of private automobile use. ITDP believes that traffic management solutions that regulate parking and charge motorists for driving in city centres have the greatest potential to reduce traffic congestion. By coaxing people out of their cars, cities can reduce CO2 emissions and air pollution, increase public transit ridership, and enjoy safer and more livable urban environments, with less time wasted in congestion.
Congestion pricing, where motorists are charged for using roads in the metropolitan centre, has been used effectively to manage driving demand in Singapore, London, and Stockholm.
Similarly, parking regulations that effectively limit free parking and charge fees based on demand help ensure that motorists absorb the full costs of their choice to drive. ITDP has produced a number of reports and briefs on parking management around the world, which have been found to produce dramatic results, including: sharp cuts to congestion, a boost to the reliability and speed of public transportation and traffic, and reductions in air pollution and energy use. In addition, congestion pricing and parking reform can also provide critical sources of revenue for cities and public transit agencies.
ITDP serves as an advisor to city governments across the world to help solve their traffic problems. By organizing speaking tours with high profile individuals, and holding workshops with congestion and parking management experts, ITDP continues to make a major push in expanding the use of these methods.