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Parking operators - Q-Park being one of the major players - are generally perceived as commercially motivated companies which thrive on lots of traffic in cities. This is such a persistent misunderstanding, rooted in the incorrect and unhelpful assumption that cars and sustainable mobility can’t coexist: it's high time we set the record straight.

Part of the solution

Yes, it is true that Q-Park sees the car as a vital aspect of not only liveable, but also economically viable cities. And even though there are problems with traffic in general, our industry is part of the solution. The solution is not to get rid of cars – which no city would benefit from – but to reduce the health and environmental issues cars cause, when parked and when moving.

From search traffic to destination traffic

One of the big issues for example, is cars having to drive around looking for a space to park. Instead, we want cars to take efficient routes and place minimal burden on areas with narrow (residential) streets. In industry terms: we shift search traffic to destination traffic. Q-Park’s increasing number of off-street Mobility Hubs do just that: you drive directly to the Mobility Hub close to your destination, and if required, use alternative transport such as micromobility – for the ‘last mile’.

Mobility Hubs

What's more, Mobility Hubs and other off-street parking facilities create something that cities crave: public space which can used according to the needs and wishes of the neighbourhood. Think of green parks, playgrounds and outdoor hospitality areas in places that would otherwise be taken up by parked cars. We transform grey to green: we've dont this in Antwerp (Steendok & Kooldok), Copenhagen (Nørreport) and Amsterdam (Museumplein).

Mobility Partner

So no, people committed to sustainable mobility shouldn't worry about parking infrastructure. In fact, having sufficient and affordable parking spaces – for residents too – is one of the most important challenges cities face today. And yes, Q-Park operates such facilities, in very close collaboration with local authorities. We partner with them and help them develop and implement their broader sustainable urban mobility plans (SUMPs), starting from the shared vision that we need to provide for cars when parked and when moving.

Liveable and economically viable cities

If we want to move closer towards sustainable, liveable, and economically viable cities, we should give people ample transport options. Let's enable residents and visitors make their own, positive and informed choices in all circumstances. And when they choose to take the car, let’s make sure it causes as little nuisance as possible – this is what our industry is fully committed to.