Evaluation of parking provisions within the eThekwini region

Abstract

The provision of parking is an integral component of the transportation system in metropolitan areas. Parking for developments within these areas should be sufficient to prevent congestion and illegal parking. Parking demand ratios are enforced by town planning schemes and public transport systems. National, Provincial and Local public transport initiatives were reviewed. The eThekwini Integrated Rapid Public Transport Network (IRPTN), Bus Rapid Transit System (BRT) and Passenger Rail Route upgrades have a significant impact on these parking ratios. This paper reports on parking surveys done at randomly selected shopping centres in the eThekwini region. A comparison of the actual parking demand versus the recommended town planning ratios and costs are done. The findings confirm the diversity in parking requirements and the need to introduce supplementary provisions in the town planning scheme and further to recognise areas where discretion needs to be applied.