Introduction of Smart Parking System for urban congested CBD Areas (Case Study of Islamabad)

Abstract

Pakistan is a country with a rapidly growing population and urbanization. The traffic in Pakistan is characterized by congestion, unsafe driving practices, and inadequate road infrastructure. The high population density and urbanization have resulted in severe traffic congestion in major cities, leading to longer travel times and increased fuel consumption. The rapid urbanization and increasing vehicle ownership have resulted in severe parking problems in urban central business district (CBD) areas. The inefficiency of traditional parking systems contributes to traffic congestion, wasted fuel, and increased pollution. To address these challenges, this thesis presents the introduction of a smart parking system for urban congested CBD areas, with a specific focus on the case study of Islamabad. The main objective of this research is to design and implement a smart parking system that optimizes parking space utilization, reduces traffic congestion, and enhances the overall parking experience for residents and visitors in Islamabad's CBD areas. The proposed system utilizes various technologies, including Internet of Things (IoT), real-time data collection, and advanced algorithms for parking space management. The research methodology includes a comprehensive literature review, data collection through surveys and interviews, and analysis of existing parking infrastructure in Islamabad. Based on the findings, a smart parking system architecture is proposed, encompassing sensor-based parking detection, data aggregation, cloud computing, mobile applications, and an administrative dashboard. The implementation of the smart parking system involves the deployment of sensors in parking spaces to detect their occupancy status. The collected data is then transmitted to a centralized server, where it is processed and made available to users through a mobile application. The application provides real-time parking availability information, navigation guidance, and payment options, thereby optimizing parking space utilization and minimizing the time spent searching for parking. The evaluation of the proposed smart parking system includes performance analysis, user feedback, and comparison with traditional parking systems. The results demonstrate the system's effectiveness in reducing traffic congestion, improving parking efficiency, and enhancing the overall user experience in CBD areas. Furthermore, the economic and environmental benefits of the system are also highlighted. In conclusion, this thesis presents a comprehensive study on the introduction of a smart parking system for urban congested CBD areas, with Islamabad as a case study. The proposed system offers a sustainable solution to alleviate parking problems, enhance urban mobility, and contribute to the development of smarter cities. It serves as a valuable reference for urban planners, policymakers, and researchers seeking to implement similar parking management strategies in other cities facing similar challenges