Part 2

READING PASSAGE 2

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 14-26, which are based on Reading Passage 2 below.

THE FUTURE OF URBAN PARKING

A. For almost a century, urban planning has been based on the assumption that cars are essential to city life. In many cities, this assumption has resulted in an urban landscape dominated by parking lots, garages, and wide roads. But this may be changing. According to the International Transport Forum (ITF), self-driving cars will make up 50% of all road traffic by 2050. This is likely to have a significant impact on the design of cities and the provision of parking.

B. The ITF has conducted a number of studies to explore the effect of self-driving cars on urban parking. These studies show that the number of cars needed to make all the journeys currently made in a city could be reduced by 90%. This is because self-driving cars can be shared more easily than conventional cars, and can be used more efficiently. The studies also show that the number of parking spaces needed in a city could be reduced by 90% because self-driving cars can park themselves more efficiently. For example, self-driving cars do not need to open their doors when parked, so they can park very close together.

C. However, some people believe that self-driving cars will not reduce the number of parking spaces needed in cities. According to a report by the WZB Berlin Social Science Centre, self-driving cars will still need to be parked somewhere, and this will still require a lot of space. The report also says that self-driving cars are likely to increase the number of journeys made by car because they will make car travel more accessible to people who do not currently drive, such as the elderly and the disabled. This could lead to more traffic on the roads, which would increase the demand for parking spaces.

D. While autonomous vehicles could reduce on-street parking in busy areas, they may also contribute to congestion. These cars can relocate to distant parking areas and return when needed, potentially freeing up urban space for cycling lanes and wider sidewalks. However, an increase in vehicle movement to and from remote parking locations could lead to higher traffic volumes in city centers, offsetting the expected benefits.

E. In residential areas, the shift toward self-driving cars could minimize the need for private parking spaces. Instead of occupying driveways and curbside spots, these cars could park in designated off-site locations and return on demand. While this might open up space for other urban developments, there is concern that the constant movement of vehicles between these parking zones and residential areas could lead to unforeseen traffic congestion.

F. Despite these possibilities, the ITF estimates that self-driving cars will not be widely adopted until 2040. This means cities must continue accommodating conventional vehicles for the foreseeable future. To ease the transition, urban planners should begin integrating self-driving technology into city infrastructure now.

G. One approach to preparing for self-driving cars is reducing reliance on private vehicles. Cities can achieve this by limiting available parking, raising parking cost, and investing in public transportation and car-sharing programs. Such measures would encourage residents to shift toward shared mobility solutions, ultimately decreasing future parking demands.

H. In the long term, city planning should incorporate infrastructure suited for autonomous vehicles. This could include designated parking areas that serve both conventional and self-driving cars, as well as charging stations for electric vehicles. Smart traffic management systems and digital coordination between vehicles and parking facilities may also play a crucial role in optimizing urban mobility.

I. The transition to self-driving cars will reshape urban landscapes and redefine parking needs. To ensure a smooth shift, cities must adopt proactive policies that balance technology with sustainable urban design. By integrating self-driving infrastructure early, municipalities can create more efficient, accessible, and environmentally friendly city spaces.

Questions 14-19

Reading Passage 2 has nine paragraphs, A-I.

Which paragraph contains the following information?

Write the correct letter, A-I, in boxes 14-19.

NB: You can write any letter more than once

14.ABCDEFGHI . a suggestion that the use of self-driving cars may have no effect on the number of vehicles in urban areas

15.ABCDEFGHI . a prediction about the use of self-driving cars may be lower than anticipated

16.ABCDEFGHI . a suggestion for how to encourage people to share cars

17.ABCDEFGHI . a recommendation for reducing dependency on private car ownership.

18.ABCDEFGHI . a suggestion for how to make streets safer for pedestrians and cyclists

19.ABCDEFGHI . a proposal for designing urban infrastructure to accommodate self-driving cars.

Questions 20-22

Look at the following statements (Questions 20-22) and the list of organisations below.

Match each statement with the correct organisation, A-C.

Write the correct letter, A-C, in boxes 20-22.

NB You can choose any letter more than once

20.ABC . Self-driving cars will make urban travel easier for people who find it difficult to drive.

21.ABC . The use of self-driving cars will mean that fewer people own a car.

22.ABC . The use of self-driving cars will mean that fewer people need to park in city centres.

Questions 23-26

Complete the summary below.

Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the passage for each answer.

Write your answers in boxes 23-26

FUTURE PARKING SOLUTIONS

To prepare for the arrival of self-driving cars, cities should focus on reducing parking availability. This can be achieved by raising the 23____________ of parking or by limiting the number of spaces. Additionally, urban planners should modify infrastructure to support autonomous vehicles by incorporating 24____________ for electric cars and designing adaptable parking zones.

The 25____________ from conventional cars to self-driving vehicles will require strategic planning. Cities must implement policies that ensure minimal disruption during this process. Long-term urban development should prioritize integrating self-driving technology by establishing suitable road networks and smart traffic systems. In the future, 26____________ must rethink their policies to create sustainable and efficient urban environments.