Parking patterns and problems in developing countries: A case from Ilorin, Nigeria

Abstract

The paper examined the parking patterns, problems and their causes in Ilorin with a view to reduce the problems. The data used were collected through direct field survey of selected road intersections covering traffic volume and composition, traffic delay and causes and land use activities. On-street parking surveys were also carried out along selected roads in the city while off-street parking surveys were carried out at selected locations. The analysis of data collected revealed that variations exist in traffic flows and delays at the studied intersections. Parking problems alone were found to contribute 23.9% of delays at the road intersection in Ilorin. Regression method was used to model parking demand along the selected streets and the off-street parking facilities which could aid in estimating the parking need in the metropolis. The study finally recommended that in order to reduce traffic congestion and delays at road intersections in the city, on-street parking should be discouraged and adequate off-street parking facilities should be provided.

Keywords: Intersections, delays, on-street parking, off-street parking, parking demand.