Preferences for Car-restrained Residential Areas

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to assess the effects of restrained car access on preferences for new residential areas and to investigate how expected negative effects can be compensated for by other transport-related characteristics of residential areas. In this study, restrained car access is operationalized by means of concentrated parking facilities, implying that occupants cannot park their cars near their homes. The outcome of this research is relevant for designers and developers of residential areas. Stated choice experiments are used to measure the effects of six transportation related design variables. Data are collected in four Dutch cities. The results indicate that most people prefer to live in non-car-restrained residential areas. However, it appeared that negative effects of concentrated parking facilities can be compensated for, at least partly, by providing secured parking facilities, good non-motorized transport facilities and access to public transport at a short distance from home.