Autonomous Driving: Why Parking Spaces Will Disappear and Cities Will Become More Livable

The introduction of autonomous vehicles is imminent – and with it comes a quiet yet profound transformation of our cities. While many debates about self-driving cars focus on technological aspects, we often overlook perhaps the most important consequence: parking spaces could become nearly obsolete in the future. This opens up opportunities for innovative urban design by repurposing space and implementing sustainable mobility concepts. This change will have significant impacts on urban planning, the environment, and our daily lives.

What Is Autonomous Driving?

Autonomous driving refers to the ability of vehicles to navigate traffic independently, without human drivers. This is made possible by a combination of cutting-edge technology: sensors such as cameras, radar, and lidar systems, along with powerful software, allow vehicles to perceive their surroundings, make decisions, and navigate safely. In the USA and China, the first pilot projects are already underway – for example, autonomous taxis operating in selected cities. Companies like Tesla, Google (Waymo), and Mercedes are rapidly advancing the development of autonomous vehicles. Their goal is a system in which the car no longer relies on a driver but instead drives itself from point A to point B. For many people, this opens up new possibilities – especially for those who previously could not drive themselves. Autonomous driving represents a revolution in mobility that goes far beyond technological innovation and has the potential to fundamentally change our understanding of transportation, freedom, and cities.

The Role of Parking in the Past

For decades, parking was a central element of urban planning. With the rise of the automobile in the 1950s and 60s, cities were redesigned to meet the growing demand for parking spaces. Entire streets, squares, and even green spaces were paved over to accommodate as many vehicles as possible. Companies specialized in parking services, offering features such as video surveillance, cashless payment, or EV charging stations. Especially in city centers, where many older buildings still lack private parking or underground garages, these offerings are particularly valuable. Despite these developments, finding a parking spot in many cities remains a challenge. In densely populated areas, parking space is scarce and expensive. Digital solutions like the app “ampido” help users find and reserve parking more easily – an example of how technology can simplify everyday life. However, with the rise of autonomous vehicles, the relevance of traditional parking is beginning to shift. Cities and businesses must adapt to this change and find new ways to repurpose urban spaces previously reserved for cars – for example, green spaces, pedestrian zones, or innovative concepts we haven’t yet imagined.

The End of the Standing Car

Currently, a car spends about 95% of its lifetime parked – often in expensive city-center parking spaces, on streets, or in massive parking garages. The transition from standing to moving vehicles is driven by increasing automation in traffic. Autonomous vehicles, however, continue to drive after the passenger gets out. They pick up the next rider, deliver packages, or head to a charging station. Long-term parking in central locations is unnecessary for them. Modern autonomous vehicles are capable of handling various driving tasks, including parallel parking and maneuvering in parking garages, entirely on their own. The result: the demand for parking in inner cities, residential areas, and shopping centers drops dramatically, as automation makes parking redundant. Entire areas that were once dedicated to stationary cars can be repurposed, fundamentally changing how we use our streets.

Rethinking Cities: From Asphalt to Living Space

When parking spaces disappear, space is freed up – and with it, new opportunities emerge. Cities could transform massive areas into parks, pedestrian zones, bike lanes, playgrounds, or housing. The vision of a car-free, green city is at the heart of many current developments. In the U.S., up to 30% of downtown space is dedicated to parking. In Europe, the figure is lower, but still significant. Reclaiming these spaces can not only improve quality of life but also make cities more climate-resilient: fewer paved surfaces mean less heat buildup and better water absorption. Numerous urban development projects are already converting parking areas into livable city spaces. Urban planners are already speaking of a post-parking society – a new phase of urban mobility in which the city revolves around people, not cars.

Shared Fleets Instead of Private Ownership

With the spread of autonomous vehicles, the question of ownership also arises. Why own a car if you can summon an affordable, autonomous vehicle via app at any time? Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) becomes the new standard. Especially in cities, shared vehicle fleets could become widespread – cheaper, more efficient, and more sustainable. For many, this means: more freedom, lower costs – and no more stress about parking, maintenance, insurance, or depreciation.

Environment and Traffic: A Real Opportunity for Relief

Autonomous vehicles drive more predictively, strictly follow traffic rules, and improve traffic flow. Combined with shared usage, they could:

• reduce the number of vehicles by up to 80%

• significantly cut CO₂ emissions in the transportation sector by using only electric vehicles

• lower noise pollution in cities

• drastically reduce accident risk

However, studies also show: without proper regulation, autonomous vehicles could increase total mileage by up to 20% – mainly due to empty trips and inefficient routing. That’s why digital traffic management, regulation, and data-driven infrastructure planning are crucial.

Social Shift: A New Relationship with Cars

For many people, owning a car still symbolizes freedom, control, and status. Autonomous driving challenges this notion. As the steering wheel disappears and vehicles become pure transport devices, our emotional connection to cars also evolves. At the same time, a new kind of freedom emerges – especially for people who have been mobility-restricted: seniors, children, visually impaired individuals, or those without a driver’s license could all become mobile – safely and independently.

The introduction of autonomous vehicles is more than a technological step – it’s a social and urban planning revolution. With the disappearance of parking spaces, cities not only gain space but also improve quality of life, safety, and sustainability. To unlock this potential, we need smart political decisions, digital infrastructure, and a fair distribution of new mobility options. Autonomous driving presents a historic opportunity to rethink our cities – greener, fairer, and more livable than ever before. But what will we do with all the new space? More parks, playgrounds, bike lanes – or simply room to breathe? Ultimately, the decision is ours.