Irrationality in Metered Parking Payment Compliance [Research Brief]

In this paper, we challenge the assumption that drivers can pay the right price for parking most of the time. We examine the frequency, magnitude, and intentionality of parking payment inaccuracies with a field study of parking behavior

Irrationality in Metered Parking Payment Compliance [Final Report]

The existing parking system assumes that drivers can pay the right price for parking, but we find the opposite in a field study (N=567). Drivers either overpay or underpay for parking at on-street parking meters 98% of the time, for 20\u201330 minutes on average. Such misalignment between parking payments and presumed price can mask the price signal and reduce its power to influence drivers\u2019 behavior and downstream environmental consequences. These findings provide evidence for widespread parking payment inaccuracy and suggest a way forward for change. This research offers important insights for transportation and planning professionals on the future of parking