Cutting CO₂ with Smarter Parking: How Digital Solutions Reduce Urban Traffic

Searching comes at a cost — Especially for the Environment

Climate Action Starts at the Curb: The conversation around climate change and sustainability is everywhere—and cities are at the center when it comes to taking real action to reduce CO₂ emissions. But did you know that a seemingly mundane everyday issue plays a surprisingly large role in urban pollution? We're talking about the search for a parking spot.

Every unnecessary kilometer driven in pursuit of a free parking space adds to the environmental burden—releasing CO₂ and fine particulate matter into the air. The good news? With smart, digital parking management, cities can not only ease traffic congestion but also make measurable progress toward their climate goals.

The overlooked environmental factor: Cruising for Parking

When we talk about urban traffic emissions, we often think first of commuters or delivery vehicles. However, the so-called "cruising for parking" effect is a significant—yet often overlooked—contributor. It refers to the repeated driving around by motorists searching for a free parking spot. While this behavior may seem insignificant on an individual level, it adds up to a substantial share of overall traffic—and thus emissions—in city centers.

The facts: A study with far-reaching insights

The groundbreaking study “Cruising for Parking” by Donald C. Shoup, published in 2006 in Transport Policy, revealed the scale of the problem. Shoup analyzed data from various 20th-century studies and found that a significant portion of traffic—ranging from 8 to 74 percent—consisted of drivers searching for parking. The average search time varied between 3.5 and 14 minutes. On average, according to the study, 30% of traffic was searching for parking, spending about 8.1 minutes doing so.

It is important to note, however, that Shoup explicitly warned these averages are not representative and should not be generalized. Despite this caution, these figures have often been uncritically adopted in public discussions. Still, it’s worth noting that the average person spends more time searching for parking than they realize.

Digitalization of Unmarked Residential Parking Spaces in Leipzig Using SONAH Sensors, (Including Battery Storage as a Buffer)

The environmental implications are alarming: every unnecessary kilometer driven and every extra minute spent in traffic results in increased fuel consumption—and consequently, higher CO₂ emissions. Shoup emphasized that underpriced on-street parking causes drivers to form a “mobile queue,” which clogs traffic, leads to accidents, wastes fuel, and pollutes the air. This poses a direct threat to both the environment and the health of city residents.

From Problem to Solution: How Digital Parking Management Makes Cities Greener

The good news: cruising for parking is a problem that can be avoided. When the search for parking disappears, so do the associated emissions. This is where digital parking management comes into play. Instead of wandering the streets looking for a spot, drivers can be guided directly to available spaces through smart systems. This not only saves nerves and time but also a significant amount of fuel.

The principle is simple: when parking is offered at a fair market price and availability is transparent, the incentive to hunt for a “bargain” parking spot diminishes. As the Shoup study demonstrates, charging market-based prices for curbside parking can eliminate cruising altogether. The result? No unnecessary traffic solely caused by searching for parking.

SONAH’s Contribution to Low-Emission Cities

At SONAH, we develop intelligent solutions that tackle this very challenge. Our AI-powered multifunctional vision sensors accurately and privacy-compliantly detect parking occupancy in real time. This information can then be shared with drivers via apps, digital signage, or navigation systems. What does this mean concretely for your city’s CO₂ footprint?

• Fewer kilometers driven: Fewer vehicles searching for parking directly translates to fewer unnecessary trips, resulting in a noticeable reduction in CO₂ emissions and other pollutants like nitrogen oxides and fine particulate matter.

  
  

• Optimized traffic flow: Reducing cruising traffic leads to smoother overall traffic flow, minimizing stop-and-go situations—which are especially emission-intensive.

  
  

• Contribution to climate goals: Digital parking management enables cities to achieve their climate targets more effectively by measurably reducing urban traffic volumes.

  
  

• Improved quality of life: Cleaner air and less traffic noise enhance the attractiveness and livability of urban areas

  
  

We see it as our mission to help cities and businesses achieve real results: less traffic, better air quality, and more satisfied residents. With our holistic solutions, we support you from planning to implementation, making your city not only smarter but also more sustainable.

The Path to the Smart City

The link between cruising for parking and CO₂ emissions is undeniable. Donald C. Shoup’s analysis vividly demonstrates how much unnecessary traffic is generated by inefficient parking strategies. But this challenge also presents a tremendous opportunity for cities: by adopting intelligent, digital parking management, we can tackle the problem at its root.

Want to learn how your city can actively contribute to CO₂ reduction while improving quality of life through digital parking management? Contact us today for a personalized consultation!