AN ASSESSMENT OF THE STATE-OF-THE-ART IN THE MODELLING OF PARKING BEHAVIOUR

This report presents a synthesis and interpretation of various sources of information about the modelling of car parking behaviour, using the authors' own experience and understanding of this field. It is based on: (1) an extensive review and assessment of the existing literature, concentrating on recent innovations and developments in handling parking behaviour in congested urban networks; (2) direct consultation with some leading researchers in the UK and overseas about desirable and feasible directions of research on parking. Four key criteria for assessing parking models are outlined. There is then a brief critical survey of the main types of car parking models: (1) discrete choice models; (2) network models; (3) performance and design models; (4) parking interaction and simulation models. This is followed by the identification of some key research questions, and the discussion of possible research approaches. A relatively straightforward extension is presented to the CONTRAM model, developed by the Transport Research Laboratory (TRL). This extension could accommodate parking search, parking choice and the impact of driver information systems. Finally, some conclusions and recommendations are presented.