Sustainable traffic of autonomous vehicles in smart-parking management

Important results from the project

The overall aim of the project was to demonstrate how connected vehicles and smart sensing of parking infrastructure can be used to coordinate parking traffic. Optimization of routes and parking lot selection will be utilized to minimize congestions and maximize parking utilization. A Smart Park algorithm was developed with the purpose to minimize travel time and maximize the chances to find an available parking spot. Smart park uses data from the connected and smart parkings and road infrastructure, using an optimization algorithm based on a multicriteria decision-making process.

Expected long term effects

The Smart-Park algorithm was simulated and evaluated in the Kista area of Stockholm. In addition, a normal search for a parking was simulated, called the "Blind-Park". Smart-Park and Blind-Park were compared with varying numbers of free parking spaces in the parking area, as well as under varying traffic congestion. The simulation results show a clear advantage with Smart Park-algorithm, regardless of traffic intensity or availability of vacant parking spots. Smart-Park and Blind-Park were also shown in a traffic simulation tool, SUMO, where the simulation results were confirmed.

Approach and implementation

The University of Skövde and VTI were responsible for the development, testing and evaluation of the parking algorithm. Stockholms Stad contributed with traffic statistics and Stockholm parkering with parking statistics. Joint analysis was carried out to find a suitable case study in the Stockholm area. Tests of the algorithm were conducted as simulations under different conditions of traffic intensity and availability in parking lots. The work was carried out through project meetings and reporting as seminars and presentations, and also an article and a report.