On and Off-Street Parking-Meaning and Difference

When vehicles are parked on the street, along with the sidewalk or anywhere on the street is called On-street parking. In some streets, you can always park your vehicle on the street, but sometimes there are restrictions. There are also on-street parking situations where you need a parking permit to park. The points of difference between On and Off-Street Parking are:

Cost and Time of Construction

The development cost of on-street parking is relatively low, while the construction cost of off-street parking is relatively high. Also, the time for development and implementation is likely to be shorter for on-street parking than for off-street parking facilities.

The approx. time for Development required in on street is relatively short as it includes mainly the selection of site, painting etc. On the other hand, off street takes relatively long as it requires an arrangement for finance, and construction of facilities, as basics.

Physical and Operational Requirements

On street parking needs some physical changes like painting, installation of signage, parking meters, etc. Whereas off-street parking needs securing of land, paving, installation of a toll collection system, equipment, and construction of administrative buildings etc.

If we talk about the operational arrangement, in on-street parking inspection by traffic police or private sector is required. Off street does not require enforcement and the facility can be operated solely by the private sector.

Place of Parking and Users

Off-street parking means parking your vehicle anywhere but on the streets. These are usually parking facilities like garages and lots. Off-street parking can be both indoors and outdoors. Off-street parking also includes private lots, garages and driveways.

The users of on-street parking are casual users who use the space for a short period of time. Off street parking users differ from short to long-term, i.e. monthly tenants and regular users.

In many urban centres, some areas are exclusively allotted for parking which will be at some distance away from the mainstream of traffic. Such a parking is referred to as off-street parking. They may be operated by either public agencies or private firms