A parking utilization study measures how existing parking is used: how many spaces are occupied, where and when, and often for how long and by whom.
Counts are taken by hour across typical and peak days, by facility, block face or zone. Results are usually reported as occupancy, the share of spaces in use. Many planners treat about 85 percent occupancy as practical capacity, the point at which drivers struggle to find a space and begin to circle. Data now often comes from PARCS records, sensors or license plate recognition as well as manual counts.
What studies show
- Peak and pattern. When and where parking is full, and where it sits empty at the same time.
- Duration and turnover. With license plate sampling, how long vehicles stay. See parking turnover.
- Supply decisions. Whether a district needs more parking, better management, pricing or wayfinding. See parking demand analysis.
Doing it well
- Count on representative days, including the true peak, and note events or weather.
- Count the whole system, including on-street, public and private off-street parking.
The Parkonomics view
Most districts that believe they are short of parking are short at a few blocks and a few hours. A utilization study is usually the cheapest way to find out before anyone funds a garage.
Related terms: Parking Demand Analysis, Parking Turnover, Effective Supply, Peak Demand, Parking Ratios