Parking Analysis
Parking studies help to create a balance between the number of parking spots and vehicular travel demand, preventing parking searches from worsening traffic congestion.
To perform a parking study, the number of parking spaces available is classified based on factors like price, time and duration limits, and other relevant parameters. Parking demand and its required duration for both existing and future land uses is also estimated.
A comparison is then made between the available supply and the estimated demand over the course of the day. This helps determine excess demand over supply. Based on the specific characteristics of the study area, solutions are then provided to improve the balance between parking supply and demand.
A different type of parking analysis is the parking requirements analysis, which is conducted for new developments. This analysis, often performed alongside a Traffic Impact Analysis (TIA), is a key step in obtaining development permits. In this process, the necessary parking supply to support proposed land uses is estimated. The Institute of Transportation Engineers (ITE) Parking Generation Manual, along with local manuals and guidelines, serves as the primary resource for this, providing parking generation rates for various land uses. By applying these parking generation rates, the parking demand of the development is projected, ensuring adequate space provision.
Beyond calculating parking requirements, parking simulation offers a dynamic approach to evaluating the functionality and efficiency of parking facility designs. Utilizing traffic micro-simulation software, this advanced analysis models the movement of individual vehicles and pedestrians within a proposed or existing parking lot or garage. It allows designers to visualize traffic circulation patterns, identify potential bottlenecks, analyze queuing at entry/exit points, and understand the overall flow of traffic within the parking environment. By simulating various scenarios, including peak periods, parking simulation helps optimize layouts and operation plans for reduced search times and enhanced efficiency.
