Driving slow, looking for parking? You are adding to Delhi’s traffic each minute

Their study examined parking patterns in Central Delhi and New Delhi — two of the city’s busiest districts. The team surveyed 3,000 drivers and coupled the results with a ‘Two-Phase Parking Choice Model’, a statistical tool that simulates driver decisions.

“Parking is not just a side problem — it is a traffic problem,” Ahad noted, adding that their model could help policymakers design smarter parking systems for India’s fast-growing cities.

The survey found that 80 per cent of respondents parked for less than two hours, with 40 per cent parking for less than 30 minutes, typically for shopping or business-related works. Short-term parking led to frequent cruising, as drivers searched for available on-street parking as close to their destination as possible. Drivers parking for longer durations were more willing to explore off-street lots, with 72% having found a parking spot within ten minutes of their search. However, 20% of respondents reported cruising for more than 15 minutes, especially during peak hours — between 11 am and 4 pm — when parking availability in Central Delhi and New Delhi reaches its lowest.

The study also shows that the average search time for a parking spot is 13.5 minutes, with one in five drivers spending over 15 minutes during peak hours. The research also established a strong statistical link between longer search times and congestion levels, confirming that time wasted in parking searches spill over into clogged streets.

Among the behavioural patterns observed, proximity was paramount: 90 per cent of drivers said they would not park more than 250 metres from their destination. This preference kept demand high for curbside spots and forced many to keep circling narrow lanes. The shortage of space also pushed 12 per cent respondents into illegal practices such as double-parking or occupying non-designated areas, reducing road capacity further.

The study further evaluated possible fixes. It found that real-time parking guidance systems, which direct drivers to available spaces, could reduce average search times by 25 per cent. Similarly, designing off-street facilities within 250 metres of high-demand zones cut down instances of illegal parking by 20 per cent. Both measures freed up road space and improved flow, the model showed.

Safety also shaped decisions: about 20% of drivers were willing to walk farther if a lot offered better security, suggesting that improved lighting and surveillance could make off-street facilities more attractive.

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