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New apartment buildings in Melbourne may soon be constructed without any car parking spaces if a new plan under consideration by the city council goes ahead.
The Australian Financial Review reported today that builders have been increasing pressure on the council to reduce the number of parking spots required in new developments. The proposed amendment to the Planning Scheme would allow a maximum of one car space per dwelling for projects four storeys or higher in Carlton, Southbank and parts of North, West and East Melbourne.
Developers would not be obliged to provide any parking.
Proponents of the plan claim that it will force residents to give up their cars and switch to public transport. Others, however, have pointed out that Melbourne's public transport system would not be able to cope with higher demand. It was more likely that residents would keep their cars and increase congestion on Melbourne's narrow inner-suburban streets, one opponent of the plan said.
