Who supports transformative parking policies? Insights from urban population segments

Abstract Transformative parking policies aim to address transport and land-use issues in urban neighbourhoods, yet concerns over public acceptability often limit their implementation. To identify barriers and entry points for implementation, this study examines who supports transforming on-street parking by segmenting the population based on psychological factors associated with policy acceptability. Using survey data from N = 1,186 residents in two German cities, we find that policy-specific beliefs, transport norms and perceptions of parking-related problems are the strongest predictors of acceptability. Psychographic segmentation via k-means clustering reveals four distinct parking policy profiles: Car-Independent Change Supporters , Car-Independent Moderates , Problem-Focused Sceptics and Car-Dependent Status-Quo Supporters . Acceptability is highest among Change Supporters and declines across the other groups. The segments also differ systematically in their socio-demographics, spatial contexts, travel behaviour and transport attitudes. Building on these profiles, we discuss implications for staged implementation strategies that initially prioritise receptive segments and broadly supported policies, while highlighting the need to address car dependency, perceived unfairness, and disproportionate burdens on vulnerable groups through complementary measures.