The primary function of our city streets is for the movement of vehicles. Anytime parking is added along a roadway, traffic capacity is lost. Parking, backing, stopping, or standing vehicles along a roadway can physically restrict through traffic. In addition, parking can interfere with pedestrian movement and cancause hazardous conditions when parked vehicles reduce the site distance for both vehicles and pedestrians.
The most common ways to lessen the adverse effects of parking on the capacity of the street are through regulations that control parking, stopping, standing, and loading along major streets. Design guidelines for parking as well as warrants for parking prohibition can be found in the Traffic Management Manual.