Examining Parking Management Challenges in the Central Business District of Enugu City

Parking management is a critical but often overlooked component of urban transport planning, with direct implications for traffic flow, economic activity, and road safety. This study examines parking management challenges in the Central Business District of Enugu City, South East Nigeria. Using a descriptive observational and survey design, data were collected through structured questionnaires administered to 130 drivers and shop owners, and parking occupancy counts conducted at 15 key sites over two-week periods during peak and off-peak hours. The study evaluates parking supply adequacy, enforcement mechanisms, revenue collection practices, and the effects of on-street parking on traffic circulation. Findings reveal a deficit of approximately 2,300 formal parking spaces relative to estimated demand, driving widespread illegal on-street parking that reduces effective road capacity by up to 30 percent at key locations. Enforcement by parking attendants is described as inconsistent and susceptible to informal payments. Revenue from formal parking facilities is poorly accounted for, suggesting systemic leakage. The study recommends a comprehensive parking demand study as a precursor to a downtown parking management plan, the introduction of smart parking meters with digital payment capabilities, and strict enforcement with clearly communicated penalties. Investment in multi-deck parking infrastructure on designated sites is also proposed. These recommendations provide a practical framework for addressing parking disorder in Nigerian urban business districts. Keywords: parking management, urban transport, Enugu, central business district, traffic flow.