In high density cities, the idea of covering the unsightly parking and keep the people and greenery out into the sun is a no brainer. It's even better for the car.

But in some cities, for example highly priced London areas, people have been starting to do the opposite: they dig lavish basements at enormous expense and keep large front lawns and wide streets with ample parking spaces, all in the name of preservation of the area's "character", as understood by the local council doing the permitting. Humans are a wierd bunch.