Investigating the usage of IoT-based smart parking services in the Borough of Westminster

Smart Parking schemes cannot succeed without the engagement and support of the drivers who may benefit from their use. This study investigates engagement with a Smart Parking service in the London Borough of Westminster. Factors likely to influence the use of Smart Parking services were identified from a literature review and incorporated into an explanatory model comprising 9 factors connected by 16 hypotheses. To test the model, residents of Westminster and visitors to the area were surveyed, resulting in a total of 212 valid responses. The responses were used to test a structural equation model, using confirmatory factor analysis. The results of the analysis indicated that Awareness of the scheme; Perceived Ease of Use; Perceived Usefulness; Cost saving; Perceived Privacy and Perceived Security all had a direct impact on Usage, with Awareness being the most influential factor. The results also highlighted the fact that, despite efforts by Westminster Council to publicise the scheme, 74% of respondents had little awareness of it, suggesting the need for improved publicity.