According to an article from Horizon Science Blog, the EU-funded Park4SUMP project has been instrumental in transforming urban spaces across Europe by implementing smart parking solutions. These initiatives aim to improve air quality, increase green spaces, and enhance the quality of life for city residents. In Reggio Emilia, Italy, a 1,300m2 square once used for parking is being converted into a pedestrianized area with trees and recreational spaces as part of the city's sustainable urban mobility planning.

The Park4SUMP research collaboration, involving 18 countries, developed a method called ParkPAD to audit municipal parking strategies. This tool assists local authorities in understanding parking issues and formulating action plans tailored to their specific needs. The project emphasizes changing parking behavior over constructing new infrastructure, encouraging the use of public transport and cycling.

The initiative aligns with the EU's Cities Mission for 100 climate-neutral and smart cities by 2030 and the European Green Deal. It has led to significant positive effects, such as potentially lower housing prices due to reduced parking space requirements and combating urban heat by replacing concrete with greenery. The project concluded in August 2022, with its concepts now spreading to more European cities.

The success of Park4SUMP in European cities underscores the importance of community involvement and gradual implementation in achieving public acceptance of new mobility initiatives. The project's outcomes offer valuable insights into how smart parking policies can enhance urban living—suggesting that by prioritizing pedestrian spaces and greenery over parking lots, cities can create more livable environments that encourage walking, cycling, and the use of public transit, aligning with transportation demand management goals.