A commentary by the executive director of the Victoria Transport Policy Institute, an independent research organization ­dedicated to developing innovative ­solutions to transport problems.

The Aug. 31 Times Colonist article “Overhaul could make parking a lot harder to find” is nothing but fear-mongering.

Contrary to what it implies, proposed parking reforms can benefit everybody, including motorists.

Our parking needs are changing. Driving has peaked and continues to decline in cities that invest in non-auto modes.

According to Capital Regional District travel surveys, the number of trips we make has declined by about a quarter, from 3.5 daily trips per capita in 2006 to just 2.6 in 2022. Vehicle ownership is also declining, and a quarter of Victoria households are now car-free.

It would be wasteful and unfair to ignore these trends and not reform........

© Times Colonist