Higher-Density Developments: Parking & Traffic

Fiction: Higher-density developments create more regional traffic congestion and parking problems than low-density developments.

Fact:

Less traffic is generated per unit with higher-density development than low-density development, for the following reasons:

• Walking is more feasible, as these developments are typically located within areas with amenities (parks, public facilities, shopping, services,) within walking distance.
• Public transit is also more feasible. With more people within a smaller footprint, this leads to increases in ridership, creating a greater return on investment for this service.
• Opportunities for shared parking are created within these developments.