Which of the following is a consequence of parking being free in a town?

When parking is free in a town, one significant consequence is the decreased availability of parking. This occurs because the absence of a cost attracts more vehicles, as individuals are incentivized to drive rather than seek alternative transportation options. As more people take advantage of free parking, it can lead to congestion and a higher demand for parking spaces. This increased demand often outstrips the available supply, resulting in fewer available parking spots.

The nature of free parking can encourage prolonged use of these spaces, as drivers may feel less urgency to vacate a spot if they are not paying for the privilege of parking. Consequently, this can create a situation where the number of vehicles searching for parking increases, exacerbating the problem and leading to a situation where it becomes increasingly difficult to find available parking spaces within the town. This dynamic illustrates how a seemingly positive aspect, like free parking, can lead to unintended negative consequences regarding availability and overall traffic management.