eltonioni wrote:..
A parking space tax is surely on the way very soon.
This has already been implemented in effect by some UK LAs giving planning permission for new workplaces: permission is contingent on there being fewer parking spaces than employees
and on business owner providing bike sheds and marked cycle lanes within the site, and also ensuring (by subsidy to 'bus company if necessary, at least at start) new or high(er) capacity 'bus routes at commuting times from major dormitory areas (or P&R sites). Employers were encouraged to implement (and administer) 'car-share' schemes. Locally, near some new business premises, this has resulted in (usually legal but still resented!) parking by commuters in nearby residential streets, which has in turn provoked occasional vandalism.
In DoD in '80s, all parking spaces near the entrances were reserved for 'car pools' (people from same dormitory suburbs who'd arranged to share rides), the closest being for 'van pools' (co-operatively-owned minibuses), then 3-person pools, with the 2-person pools' areas being even further out. There were limited numbers of non-pool areas, given the huge numbers of employees, and to get a place in any of these required arriving VERY early and taking a chance; and then requiring a LONG walk (in potentially hot and humid, or occasionally very cold, weather). This was in an area where except in downtown DC 'public transport' ('buses and Metro) was very poor, and a society dominated by the motor car. This last meant that commuting by pedal bike was hazardous, as US drivers simply weren't used to sharing the road with them, and there were no 'cycle paths' parallelling roads; one of my UK colleagues, a keen cycle commuter at home, tried it one day; 'never again,' he decided. Motorbikes (usually big!) were popular, though, especially with the young military, and sheds were provided. Oh, and 'parking violations' on DoD land were a Federal offence; usually only a 'misdemeanour' with an instant fine, but reportable to the Government as employer, with potential further internal disciplinary sanctions.
In Canada in '80s, Federal employees provided with parking spaces at workplace in areas where local day parking is commercial were required to pay their employing Department a daily rate no less than the nearest commercial rate; this revenue is then passed to local 'bus operator as subsidy. In Ottawa, with lots of Federal offices, this was pricy for employees in more suburban area of the city, and VERY pricy for those in downtown ones. But the 'buses were excellent and cheap
There were also cycle paths avoiding roads or connecting the 'dead ends' of culs-de-sac. It was also feasible to commute by canal (canoe or skates according to season), as several of my colleagues did
I biked in summer and 'bussed in winter, and enjoyed it.
(mere guide at) Jet Age Museum, Gloucestershire Airport
http://www.jetagemuseum.org/TripAdvisor Excellence Award 2015
http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction ... gland.html