GPS Data and Car Drivers' Parking Search Behavior in the City of Turnhout, Belgium

Abstract

This paper describes an exploratory study regarding parking search behavior. Based on GPS tracks of 97 car trips, the temporal and spatial components of parking search behavior are investigated in more detail. The data collection took place in November 2012 in the city of Turnhout, Belgium. The paper presents the way the data collection has been organized, the way the data have been analyzed, and some findings of the study. It appears that GPS tracking can be used to investigate both the temporal and spatial aspects of parking search behavior. The average parking search time found in this study is 1 min and 18 s (approximately 14 % of the total travel time). The use of street segments for parking is influenced by distance to the city center, distance to nearest parking facility, presence of shops, and parking tariffs.