How does parking interplay with the built environment and affect automobile commuting in high-density cities? A case study in China

Qian Liu, James Wang, Peng Chen and Zuopeng Xiao
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Qian Liu: Shenzhen University, China
James Wang: University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Peng Chen: University of Washington, USA
Zuopeng Xiao: University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong

Urban Studies, 2017, vol. 54, issue 14, 3299-3317

Abstract: This study investigates an important but often overlooked problem – the interaction between parking and land use – to examine the effects of the built environment on car commuting. Using the case of Shenzhen, China, a structural equation model is employed to examine the tripartite relationship among the built environment, parking supply and car commuting. The parking–built environment relationship partly reflects the parking supply mechanism that is collectively influenced by the parking market and regulations. The results indicate that, because of the high cost of constructing parking, property developers are reluctant to build sufficient parking spaces for the residential population in densely built neighbourhoods with small lot sizes. However, minimum parking standards often lead to more parking provisions in dense central locations. Therefore, the benefits of compact land use and transit-oriented development (TOD) for reducing car use are either reinforced or offset depending on the various interrelationships between parking and the built environment. In the context of policy implications, a fine-grained urban fabric should be particularly supported, considering its significant effects in reducing car commuting, as well as its potential role in fostering a well-functioning parking market. Meanwhile, imposing parking caps in dense and central areas would be wise because parking oversupply encourages more car trips, which counteracts the sustainable merits of dense developments.

Keywords: car commuting; intermediary effect; parking availability; parking–land use interaction; China; 汽车通勤; 中介效应; å œè½¦ä½ å ¯ç”¨æ€§; å œè½¦ä½ -土地利用互动; 中国 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:sae:urbstu:v:54:y:2017:i:14:p:3299-3317

DOI: 10.1177/0042098016667040

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