Critical analysis of parking systems and their economic impact in Tanzania

Abstract

In nearly all large urban places on earth, parking has become an expensive resource in recent years, and its restricted supply is the simultaneous cause of urban traffic congestion and air pollution. The typical method for obtaining a parking spot in Tanzania is manual, in which the motorist typically discovers a spot in the city or on the street as a result of his or her experience or good fortune. This method requires a significant amount of time and effort, and in a city with a high car density, it could potentially lead to a situation where the motorist fails to find any parking spaces, thereby consuming a significant amount of time and fuel. Based on the additional features they may offer, the Innovative Scalable Smart Parking System (ISSPS), a component of the Intelligent Transportation System (ITS), gives rise to various parking facilities. The ISSPS should be able to work with many parking facility-related aspects in addition to managing the internal operations of the parking facility. This study critically analysed the Smart Parking System (SPS) requirements and their economic impact in Tanzania by conducting a survey in three cities (Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, and Arusha). Purposive sampling methods were used to select the three cities due to their huge populations of motorists. Four hundred (400) respondents randomly selected from the three cities were involved using a structured questionnaire. The questionnaire was administered physically and online. Survey results prompted the conclusion that a secure, knowledgeable, effective, and dependable parking system is absolutely necessary for searching for vacant parking spaces, directing drivers to available spaces, negotiating parking rates, and managing parking spaces in an appropriate manner. The study reveals that inefficient parking systems contribute to significant economic losses through increased fuel consumption, increased time spending, increased air pollution, and negative impacts on urban mobility. The paper also discusses potential solutions and policy recommendations, including the adoption of modern parking technologies; improved urban planning; and enhanced regulatory measures to optimise parking management and alleviate congestion. This analysis underscores the need for a comprehensive reform of parking systems in Tanzania to support economic development, enhance urban mobility, and improve overall quality of life in rapidly growing cities.