Understanding drivers’ perspective on parking guidance information

Parking guidance and information (PGI) systems are thought to enable a more efficient control and management of the traffic and the use of the available car park in urban areas. Despite the installation of PGI systems in many cities and their operation for a number of years, the levels of usage of PGI remain much lower than expected. To guide investment and operational decisions, this study examines the existing PGI systems from the drivers’ perspective. The results show that PGI is not efficiently used and often ignored by drivers because of the inaccurate or out-of-date nature of the information it is displaying. Habitual behaviour also played an important role in the choices of a car park. However, the results of the research also show that there is a desire for more accurate, dynamic and personalised parking information through different means at pre-trip stage and en-route stage. The results of this survey should provide some guidance in the design of future PGI systems