More than half of commercial truck drivers prefer to use roadside dynamic message signs (DMS) or mobile devices to obtain parking information while about one-third still rely on books and maps.

An evaluation of SmartPark strategies by the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI).

Date Posted
06/30/2020
Identifier
2020-B01466
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Accelerating SmartPark Deployment Strategic Plan

Summary Information

This report examined the potential of a nationwide deployment of a SmartPark system designed to help truck drivers find a safe and available parking.



The SmartPark system works by collecting real-time information about nearby parking availability and communicating it in real-time to active drivers. Parking data collected from parking facilities is sent to an information processing center and then converted into parking availability information which is then posted on roadside dynamic message signs (DMS) and 511 systems, and made available to mobile devices and traveler information websites.



The diagram below excerpted from the source report highlights three main components of a SmartPark system.



Diagram



The map below excerpted from the source report shows states with SmartPark programs as of September 2018.



US Map

FINDINGS

Commercial truck drivers prefer to obtain parking availability information through roadside dynamic message signs (DMS); however, about 55 percent of drivers use traveler information websites or smart phones to locate parking, and about 38 percent still rely on books and maps. A separate study referenced in this source report noted that when specific information is available regarding truck parking availability, it reduces driver anxiety. [1]