Examination of the urban parking problem in Tokat and suggestions

In today's city life, traffic density is experienced due to the rapid increase in the population and the number of vehicles. Due to this density, transportation problems arise in rapidly growing cities. One of the most important transportation problems is parking problems. In this study, the problem of parking in the city of Tokat is discussed. Our aim is to examine the parking situation in Tokat, to show the number of available parking lots, their usage characteristics and whether they are sufficient for the city center. In the first stage of the study, the off-road parking needs of the city of Tokat were calculated for today and 10 years later. In this context, the parking requirement calculation formula, which was determined according to the acceptances made in the Germany, was used. In the second stage of the study, the design and suitability of the car parks were examined. For this, the principles of the Parking Lot Regulation numbered 31868 and TS 10551 were taken into account. Parking surveys were made out for two weeks the occupancy rates of off-road parking lots were found. Roadside parking surveys were made out on two streets. In the surveys made, the waiting times and numbers of the vehicles parked on the roadside for a week were observed. As a result of this study, it has been understood that the city of Tokat needs new off-road parking areas both today and for the next 10 years. However, the utilization rate of off-road parking lots is low. Among the reasons for this are the paid and low capacity of the car parks, their scattered settlements, the lack of awareness of the public about the use of parking lots and on-street parks. As a solution suggestion, features such as entrance and exit of off-road parking lots should be improved, their controls should be made, signs and plates should be placed in areas where drivers can see them. The scarcity of existing off-road parking lots and the increase in future requirements show that the parking problem cannot be solved with off-road parking lots alone. For this reason, necessary arrangements should be made on roads with roadside parking facilities, and roadside parking lots should be utilized at the maximum level. Roadside parking areas should be reserved primarily for vehicle owners of short-term parking. Long-term parkers should be directed to the nearest off-road car parks.