AN ASSESSMENT OF THE EFFECTS OF ON-STREET PARKING ON TRAFFIC FLOW IN FEDERAL CAPITAL CITY (FCC), ABUJA, NIGERIA

Abstract

Transport problems are very common in the Central Business District of Nigeria Cities as a result of the growing concentration of population, rapid urbanization and economic activities of certain point of the world. Parking and traffic congestion is synonymous to each other because failure to meet parking demand of people in a city lead to on-street parking that results to traffic congestion. The availability of less space in urban areas has increased demand for parking space especially in central business area especially city like the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. This study aim to assess the effects of On-Street parking on traffic flow within Federal Capital City (FCC), Abuja. The data used were collected through secondary and direct field survey on motorists, Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), Parking Vendors, Inventory survey, while the secondary data were sourced from records of the vendors, FCDA authority etc. The analysis of data collected revealed that provision for parking facility is seriously lacking within FCT, which shows that parking facility is only provided at NICON junction while all other locations lacks parking facilities. Taxis are the major culprit of On-Street parking within the FCT with about 52% compared to other category of vehicles. It was also revealed that accident, jam/congestion and reduced speed are the major effect of On-Street parking within the FCT. Finally, it was recommended that off-street parking facilities/spaces should be provided at designated areas of FCT. Strict enforcement of traffic rules and regulations and effective traffic management system should also be put in place to eradicate On-Street parking in the FCT.