Residents’ parking schemes are creating a ‘parking paradox’ with nearly half of all motorists (48%) being in favour of them while six in 10 (61%) believe they just shift the problem to another area.
RAC research among 1,765 motorists found there was very little opposition to residents’ parking zones with only 17% of those questioned saying they were opposed to them, although – interestingly – a third (35%) did not have an opinion on the subject either way.
There was, however, a stronger feeling that residents’ parking discourages people from visiting an area for shopping and leisure purposes.
Half (49%) of those surveyed felt this was a consequence, whereas a quarter (24%) did not think people were deterred from using local shops and leisure facilities.
There was also broad acceptance that in some locations, residents’ parking makes it difficult for commuters to park for work with 46% believing this to be the case, while only 23% said they didn’t think it affected those who go to work by car.
But when asked whether commuters should be able to use spaces vacated by residents, there was a strength of feeling that this should not be the case with half (52%) disagreeing in contrast to one in five (20%) who are happy for this to take place.