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Almaty's introduction of paid parking zones has ignited a significant debate among city residents, raising questions about the system's original purpose and its unintended consequences. While intended to alleviate traffic congestion and regulate street parking, the initiative has inadvertently increased demand for free parking in residential courtyards, creating new challenges.

The Genesis of Paid Parking in Almaty

The implementation of paid street parking in Almaty dates back to 2016, during the tenure of Mayor Bauyrzhan Baibek. It was one of the most contentious reforms, aimed at reducing traffic jams and curbing illegal street parking. The growing number of vehicles and the unauthorized occupation of spaces near residential buildings, cafes, and hotels had fueled public frustration. The establishment of a unified parking operator, along with control and tariff systems, aimed to bring order to this 'grey area,' though it introduced a new set of difficulties.

Current Parking Landscape in the City

Paid parking has indeed brought a degree of order to Almaty's streets, reducing some of the chaos. However, it hasn't fully met expectations due to the city's rapid vehicle growth. The Almaty City Administration acknowledges that while the primary objective was partially achieved, it's only one component of a broader vehicle policy. They emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach that includes developing transport infrastructure and optimizing urban space utilization.

Expanding Paid Zones and Resident Concerns

As paid zones expand, so does resident dissatisfaction, particularly regarding their extension into residential and peripheral areas. Concerned citizens have launched a petition demanding the removal of paid parking signs and posts, and advocating for future decisions to be made through public hearings with resident involvement, while adhering to legal frameworks. The administration recognizes these concerns but maintains the necessity of paid zones in high-demand areas, typically along transit streets where residential buildings coexist with commercial and public facilities, leading to a constant flow of vehicles and high load on the road network.

Potential Repercussions of Abolishing Paid Parking

The administration warns that a complete abolition of paid parking in transit streets could revert the city to chaotic parking, reduce space availability, increase parking duration, and worsen overall road conditions. They stress that existing benefits are inclusive of vehicle owners, and subscription models with additional privileges or free parking for residents are being developed. Furthermore, a list of citizens eligible for free parking is maintained. Paid parking operates only during daytime hours (8:00 AM to 7:00 PM), with nighttime parking being free, primarily benefiting local residents.

The Rationale Behind Paid Parking Fees

Urban planning specialist Alikhan Kosherbayev supports paid parking as a rational solution, arguing that those who benefit from using scarce city space for their vehicles should pay. He contends that all city residents indirectly pay for public space, which is unfair. Kosherbayev suggests that parking fees are currently too low and advocates for a review of the pricing policy to ensure effectiveness. The ideal scenario, he explains, is for 15-20% of parking spaces to remain consistently available, balancing demand and preventing underutilization.

The administration agrees that high demand and low tariffs reduce parking availability. However, increasing tariffs is not currently on the agenda. They acknowledge that certain sections of paid parking zones experience consistently high demand, leading to vehicles occupying spots all day, reducing turnover and sometimes resulting in parking violations. While tariff increases are not decided, any potential changes will be carefully considered, balancing the city's transport situation with residents' interests.

The Rise of Courtyard Barriers

Many car owners, seeking free parking, have resorted to parking in nearby residential courtyards, leading to resident frustration and conflicts. To restrict access, courtyards have increasingly employed barriers and other limitations. While previously less of an issue due to lower vehicle numbers, the current demand has led to widespread enclosure of courtyards. Opinions on these barriers are divided: they reduce unauthorized traffic but don't fully resolve the issue, with complaints of 'reserved' spots, neighbor disputes, and persistent blind spots.

Residents cite difficulties caused by nearby offices and entertainment venues, whose visitors and employees contribute to traffic that courtyards struggle to accommodate. Some business owners and tenants have reportedly obtained barrier remotes to allow unauthorized vehicles in. The process for installing barriers also faces scrutiny, requiring owner votes and quorum, while respecting the rights of dissenting residents. The administration typically avoids intervention unless there's a road blockage, but barriers can be quickly removed if a resident files a complaint with state bodies, highlighting a legal loophole.

Residents desire quiet and safe courtyards, preserved as common areas, not long-term parking lots. They emphasize that barriers were intended to limit through-traffic, not create exclusive parking. Critics argue that if access must be restricted, courtyards should primarily function as pedestrian zones, accessible only to emergency services. Urban planner Alikhan Kosherbayev supports this view, stating that courtyards were not designed for mass vehicle concentration and their transformation into parking lots degrades living quality, increasing conflicts and safety concerns.

Resolving the City's Parking Conundrum

The situation presents a conflict of interests: the administration seeks order, urban planners advocate for removing vehicles from courtyards, and residents install barriers at their own expense, only for them to be potentially removed. Almaty's transport reforms continue, marked by ongoing debates. While drivers' habits are considered, priorities are shifting towards pedestrian and urban environment quality over individual car convenience. Paid parking and gated courtyards are consequences of a metropolis forced to regulate and account for its space. Almaty is undergoing infrastructural restructuring, a process that is rarely smooth, especially after years of prioritizing vehicles. One thing is clear: the era of the 'free city' is ending. Shared space usage will increasingly require payment, either directly or through the loss of courtyard convenience.