The Ministry of Transport of the Russian Federation has issued a set of profile recommendations for municipalities, stressing a strategic shift in how urban mobility is managed. The guidance emphasizes campaigns aimed at reducing the number of parking spaces on the road network and within district areas. In practical terms, officials are encouraging residents to rely more on public transportation and less on private vehicles as a fundamental policy aim.
When the occupancy of available parking reaches 85 percent or more, regional authorities are advised to consider implementing a parking fee. This approach has already been observed in practice in the capital region, where the Moscow Ministry of Transport is rolling out another paid parking zone in the city. The intent is to create a financial incentive to discourage excessive parking and to make room for more efficient traffic flow and public transit use.
For longer-term parking needs, the recommendations advocate the development of off-street facilities, including parking garages and multi-level parking structures. The overall plan calls for a reduction in the number of on-street spaces both on the road network and within neighborhood areas, with on-street parking treated as a temporary arrangement where roadway capacity permits. The core idea is to reallocate space toward mobility options that serve a broader portion of the community and reduce congestion during peak times.
Other measures
Additional strategies proposed to slow traffic include the more expansive creation of parking lots managed by municipalities, increasing the efficiency and speed of ground transportation, shortening transit intervals, and adjusting pricing so that using public transportation becomes financially competitive with owning and operating a private car. The overall goal is to align travel costs with the true social and economic costs of car possession, encouraging a shift toward shared and public mobility options.
In the most densely trafficked streets, the recommendations suggest introducing dedicated lanes or zones to enforce compliance with the established targets for parking availability. For neighborhoods that blend different land uses, the guidance proposes consolidating parking into shared facilities that serve multiple functions. For instance, day visitors to city offices could use a central lot, while evening crowds heading to cultural venues could access the same facility, reducing the need for separate parking at each site.
Experts acknowledge that moving people away from the comfort of private cars toward public transport will require time and persistent effort. The transition hinges on reliable service, convenient access, attractive pricing, and clear communication about the long-term benefits of modal shift for urban life. Persistence from planners and patience from residents alike will be essential to achieving meaningful change.
Source: Commercial
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