ASSESSMENT OF PARKING SPACE MANAGEMENT: THE CASE OF FEDERAL CAPITAL CITY (FCC), ABUJA

Abstract

ABSTRACT The research assesses the Parking space management in Federal capital city, Abuja with a view to establishing challenges and providing appropriate recommendations. Data for the study were obtained through a semi-structured questionnaire, observation, monitoring, recording and document review. A total of 387 copies of a questionnaire were administered and purposive sampling techniques was adopted. The data was analyzed using descriptive technique with the use of table, chat and Map.The findings from the study showed that the parking problems within the study area were associated 65% to the On-street parking, 31% of the parking problem are Off-street parking and 4% of the parking problems are temporary parking. The On-Street parking predominantly occurs around the Converted Commercial Developments. Among the various commercial activities in the area, Plazas which constitutes 25% on-street parking and 21% off-street parking, Offices also has 14% on-street parking and 16% off-street parking, Hotel in the study area constitutes 7% of on-street parking and 9% of off-street parking, Petrol station also constitutes 5% on-street parking and 6% off-street parking, Banks constitutes 10% on-street parking and 8% off-street parking, Eateries in the study area constitutes 7% of onstreet parking and 11% of off-street parking, Recreation centre constitutes 18% on-street parking and 20% off-street parking, and lastly, the Market constitutes 14% on-street parking and 10% off-street parking respectively. The impact of parking space were revealed, such as, Traffic congestion has 47% impact on parking and it is the highest as compared to others, accident has 31% of impact on parking, Environmental pollution has 15% impact on parking and 7% impact on parking is constituted by Obstruction to fire operation in the respective area of study. The factors responsible for parking problems were identified to include, inadequate parking facilities, the concentration of activities and facilities in FCC, non-implementation of the FCC transportation policy, and the violation of building codes and zoning regulations. The study concluded by suggesting the management strategies for the efficient management of the transportation system in FCC, Abuja by enforcement of Traffic Rules and Regulations by Disciplined Law Enforcement Agent, Introduction of public parking garages, Enlightenment of parking space users, Introduction of Information Technology, and strengthening of the Department of Development Control.