Parking Surveys – Bristol
We have recently completed a parking survey in Bristol. The project is summarised below . If you would like a quote for a parking survey then please get in touch. We can carry out Parking Surveys anywhere in the UK.
The Plan Used for the Parking Survey
Zero On-Site Parking Justified for Constrained Bristol Development: Key Takeaways from a Parking Survey Report
A recent Parking Survey Report for a proposed residential development in East Bristol provides a compelling justification for providing zero on-site parking—a strategy that aligns with modern sustainable development goals and Bristol’s local planning policy.
This report, commissioned for a new 6-unit residential scheme, demonstrates how thorough data collection and policy adherence can support reduced car dependency, even in areas with high parking demand.
Key Findings from the Parking Survey Bristol
The development site, which is highly constrained in size (approx. 0.03 hectares), determined that any on-site parking would severely compromise the quality, design, and viability of the residential units and community facilities.
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Policy Compliance: The proposal is below the maximum standard of 5.4 spaces but is policy-compliant under SADMP Policy DM23, which allows lower provision where justified by site constraints and accessibility.
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On-Street Availability: An evening peak-time survey (22:10–22:15) across a 150-meter radius revealed an average occupancy of 85.2%, indicating high demand in the area.
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Available Capacity: Despite high occupancy, approximately 30 parking spaces were found to be available within the survey area during peak residential hours, confirming sufficient on-street capacity.
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Development Demand: The projected vehicle demand for the 6-unit scheme is low, estimated at only 3.6–4.8 vehicles.
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Capacity Assessment: The available capacity (30 spaces) is ample, being 6–8 times higher than the anticipated demand, meaning the development’s impact will be manageable and non-stress-creating.
Strategic Location and Sustainable Travel
The report heavily emphasizes the site’s excellent accessibility, which further justifies the zero-parking approach:
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Public Transport: The site is in close proximity to a major train station (approximately 500m walk) and another station/bus hub (1000m walk), providing quick connections to Bristol City Centre.
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Walkability: It is highly walkable, with local amenities, shops, and district centers within a 700-meter radius.
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Cycle Provision: The development encourages sustainable transport by providing comprehensive cycle parking (12 spaces) on site.
Realistic Parking Expectations for Future Residents
The report stresses that residents must rely on on-street parking and manage expectations:
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Parking is available, but residents may need to park on secondary streets like Chaplin Road or Heron Road, potentially involving a 50–100m walk.
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This is presented as a realistic urban parking strategy compatible with a sustainable, well-connected city location.
Conclusion: This parking survey Bristol analysis concludes that due to severe site constraints, excellent public transport links, and demonstrable on-street parking availability, providing zero on-site parking is a practical, policy-compliant, and appropriate solution for this urban residential development.