London councils, with their predatory parking restrictions are helping to stifle the high street further.
My council claim it's a source of revenue, but then moan that they own the shops in the town and no one is taking up leases. Local shop owners have begged the council to make the car parks free on a trial to see what happens, and the council's response was a) increase the parking fees, b) sell off a car park to a property developer who built an office block, c) sell off a second car park for some 'outdoor cafe culture' development with flats (because the UK is warm in the evenings all year round).
This is widespread. A lot of councils (when they were complaining about central govt cuts, and threatening to cut vital services) actually bought into retail properties. I believe central govt put a stop to it but a lot of the damage has already been done.
I read about a local council that got an opinion on a shopping centre, their consultant told them not to buy it, they did anyway...lost it all. Truly staggering levels of incompetence.
Cars emit pollution and particulates that harm every one around them.
They require ever increasing subsidized infrastructure. Google induced demand.
They contribute to obesity.
They kill millions accidents.
If it weren't for the government intervention you wouldnt be driving.
People don't even walk to the store on next street and the fucking sidewalks are used for parking.
Not only people don't mind, the vast majority seems to love it. Man, it's so depressing.
Not consciously.
My council 100% use car parks as a source of revenue. That the price discourages people is a side effect of supply and demand. Particularly in London where space is at a premium.
Any "carbon neutral thinking" by my council is accidental, except when they buy a bunch of electric vehicles.