Posted: January, 29, 2025 11:37 AM ET • 2 min read

Parking is an essential part of modern transportation systems, connecting drivers to their destinations and ensuring seamless flow in urban and suburban environments. As urbanization accelerates and cities grow, efficient parking systems are critical for accommodating the increasing number of drivers on the road.

This article explores the concept of parking, the two main types, and the benefits each provides.

What is Parking?

As most are aware, parking is traditionally defined as bringing a vehicle to a halt and leaving it stowed in designated locations temporarily. This can include on the side of a road, in a parking lot, or parking garage. In the parking and mobility industry, parking is categorized into two main types—on-street and off-street, each serving unique purposes and advantages.

On-street parking refers to designated spaces for vehicles along a public street within a defined zone. Many municipalities across Canada provide on-street parking to the public, which can be within residential or commercial areas. Parking meters, parking enforcement services and signage outlining regulations are often used when paid parking regulations are in place. In areas without paid parking, time limits and restricted hours are enforced through clear signage and monitored by bylaw officers. On-street parking is a convenient option for short-term stops, providing drivers easy access to local businesses and residences.

Off-street parking refers to available parking spaces within an enclosed parking lot or garage. These spaces are often owned by municipalities, government organizations, or private entities. Off-street parking locations are typically utilized by both transient drivers or permit holders. Various access controls—such as gated systems, pay-on-foot machines, mobile payment apps, and automatic license plate recognition help manage these spaces. Off-street parking offers greater capacity and security, making it ideal for longer-term parking or accommodating high volumes of vehicles.

Parking connects people to their destination points and is central to our day-to-day mobility. As urban environments grow, parking will remain pivotal in shaping accessible and efficient cities.

References

Bray, J. (2020, July 23). What is on-street parking?. Parking Industry. https://www.parkingindustry.ca/parking-101/what-is-on-street-parking?rq=what+is+parking

Bray, J. (2020, August 19). What is off-street parking?. Parking Industry. https://www.parkingindustry.ca/parking-101/what-is-off-street-parking?rq=what+is+parking

Donatucci, A. (2021, November 3). The role of parking in Urban mobility. Parking Industry. https://www.parkingindustry.ca/feature-articles/the-role-of-parking-in-urban-mobility?rq=urban+mobility