Here European Week of Cities There are many forums in which current challenges linked to climate changeurban congestion and air quality.
Talking about urban mobility today without using the adjective “sustainable” is increasingly difficult. A concept that does not only focus on using clean energybut rather encompasses a holistic approach towards a more efficient, accessible and environmentally friendly transport system.
What is sustainable mobility?
Sustainable mobility refers to the adoption of practices and technologies that seek to reduce environmental impact of transport. This involves a transition to modes of transport using renewable energy, such as electric vehicles, efficient public transport and non-motorized options, such as walk or cycle.
This approach is not only limited to mitigating air pollution, but also addresses other issues related to traditional transportation systems, such as noise, road congestion, and dependence on fossil fuels.
THE Sustainable mobility aims to enable people to move efficiently and fairlywithout compromising the well-being of future generations.
Underground car parks: key players in the cities of the future
In this sense, we can ask ourselves whether infrastructures such as underground car parks They make sense in this sustainable mobility in the cities of the present and the future.
I must recognize my lack of impartiality in this regard, since my work at iPark Estacionamientos y Servicios de Movilidad SA, mainly consists of iidentification, definition, construction and management of underground or elevated car parks.
And although it’s my job, I can’t help but be convinced that underground parking plays a key role in sustainable mobility for many reasons.
It’s true that I must not be the only one to think like this, because 62% of Spaniards consider the private car a key element of their trip.
Ecological transition
These infrastructures are perfectly integrated into urban plans which promote the efficient use of space, reduce traffic jams and the transition to greener modes of transport.
To cite some of their benefits and impact on cities, underground parking helps optimize urban space, by understanding how Using underground infrastructure to park vehicles frees up valuable space on public roads which can be used for other purposes, such as parks, cycle paths, pedestrian areas or public transport infrastructure.
Urban planning for well-being
In this way, cities can allocate more areas for the enjoyment of citizens, thus reducing the density of vehicles on public roads and promoting urban planning more oriented towards the well-being of people.
Furthermore, the construction of underground parking lots in strategic locations in cities, what are called relay parking lots, such as nearby in public transport stations or on the outskirtscontributes to decongesting the urban center.
This type of parking encourages the use of other sustainable alternatives, such as leaving the vehicle in these parking lots and continuing the journey in public transport, bike or on footthereby reducing the need to travel by car in densely populated areas.
Promoting cleaner cities
During this week, a particularly hot topic is electric mobility. Underground parking lots too play a crucial role in leading this movementhaving huge potential to be equipped with electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
How much more charging points are availablethe easier it will be to promote the use of electric vehicles among citizens.
As the number of these vehicles increases in our cities, it is essential to have a accessible charging networkefficient and well distributed.
Currently, underground car parks play a key role in this process, serving as nerve centers of the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable mobilityaligned with European environmental objectives to reduce urban pollution and environmental impact.
Reduction of pollution
Another notable point of these constructions is their contribution in terms of visual and acoustic pollution. By “hiding” vehicles in underground parking lots, the presence of cars on the surface is reducedwhich improves the quality of the urban landscape and helps create friendlier and safer environments for pedestrians. Furthermore, at reduce traffic and parking on congested streetsreduce noise pollution levels.
Underground parking lots also function as multi-modal mobility nodes, as I highlighted previously, where users can park their vehicles and have immediate access to other, more sustainable means of transportsuch as bus stations, trams, trains or public bicycles.
This combined use of transport modes is in turn key in the commutethat is, the usual journeys from home to work, thus reducing the dependence on the private car for long journeys within cities.
Complement to sustainable mobility
Thus, and to the extent that underground parking is part of an overall urban development plan, which favors active mobility and public transportits presence is and will be a valuable complement to sustainable mobility.
Nor is it a question of discouraging the use of private cars, but of ensuring that align with policies that promote cleaner transportation options.
key tool
In summary, from my point of view, underground parking is a key tool in the transition towards more sustainable mobilityprovided that they are designed and implemented with a holistic vision that favors the use of cleaner and more efficient alternatives.
By freeing up space, reducing traffic congestion and encouraging the use of electric vehicles and other sustainable modes of transport, underground car parks play a role a positive role within the urban ecosystem.
Juan Manuel Mogarra, is CEO of iPark Horizontal
