Factors Influencing Haphazard Parking in The Klang Valley, Malaysia

Haphazard parking is viewed as a common practice in Malaysia. But haphazard parking can cause traffic congestion and obstruction as well as road bully incidents. Even though the law has indicated the consequences of haphazard or illegal parking, this practice is still very prominent and extensive. The objective of this study is to examine factors that influenced haphazard parking, which is described as a situation generating inconvenience to other motorists and the general public and at the same time it is illegal. Such a study is important and timely especially in the urban environment in new emerging townships; increase in new and inexperienced drivers each day and brisk vehicle sales are the main contributory factors to road congestion. The research was conducted via questionnaire survey related to motorists’ attitudes, enforcement efficiency and parking bay friendliness. For more accurate results, selected respondents were licensed drivers. Outcomes of the study revealed that insufficient parking bays and the unfriendliness of car park facilities are the main and significant factors contributing to haphazard parking. Factors related to motorists’ attitude and enforcement efficiency were found to be insignificant. With the progress of the country’s economy and changes in drivers’ attitude, this study had also revealed that the authorities have to re-study their town planning policies and guidelines and to explore ways to enforce the law and minimize haphazard parking.