Under the new Waterford Metropolitan Area Strategy which was published this week, car parking is set to receive an overhaul in the city and surrounding region. The strategy acknowledges that private car use remains the more attractive option as opposed to walking, cycling, or public transport. To encourage more sustainable transport, a gradual reduction in on-street parking spaces within urban areas will be seen. Additionally, a new Park-and-Ride facility is planned in the vicinity of the N25-N9 junction at the Newrath Road. The National Transport Authority have committed to working towards identifying potential sites for further Park-and-Stride, and Park-and-Cycle sites on the outskirts of Waterford city.
Park-and-Ride
At present, there are no dedicated, permanent Park-and-Ride or Park-and-Stride facilities within the wider metropolitan area of Waterford. The new strategy was developed as means of addressing this shortfall.
- Based on an independent study undertaken by the National Roads Authority, sufficient demand was identified for a Park-and-Ride, facilitating approximately 110 parking spaces on the Newrath Road. Funding has been set aside for the provision of this facility in the new strategy which looks ahead to a full deployment between now and 2040
- In the same study, Tramore was also identified as a suitable location for a Park-and-Ride. However, the parking capacity at the Terminus in Tramore was deemed sufficient. As an alternative option, it is proposed that the bus journey cost be reduced between Tramore and Waterford
- In order to encourage the long-term viability of both sites, the National Transport Authority have recommended that parking capacity be limited in the city centre, and that no car parking requirements be factored in for new developments near the city centre
- Waterford City & County Council have included new guidelines in the plan which set out car-free and low-car standards in development areas within 800m of quality public transport and within walking distance of the city
- Oversupply of car parking will be restricted in the early phases of the project.
- Maximum parking charges have been urged to be employed by Waterford Council
- Parking for motorists with disabilities must be provided for
On and Off Street Parking
A gradual reduction is on-street parking levels is required within the lifetime of the strategy, which runs until 2040. The following proposals were adopted by Waterford Council.
- Consider gradual increases in the cost of parking permits, particularly in areas where off-street parking is readily available
- Implement high capacity long-stay strategic Park-and-Ride facilities
- Begin phased out long-term reduction of car parking
- Parking for motorists with disabilities must be provided for
- To examine the case for a parking levy in the workplace
- Ensure that spaces in town centres are readily available for shoppers and non-commuters
- Introduce bike-share systems and car clubs to provide alternatives to private car ownership
