Progress of VICS Parking Information Service at the Time of Fireworks Display and Other Special Events

The VICS Center has been steadily working toward deployment of a special event parking lot information provision project, which addresses tourist attractions and large special events for which information provision had not previously been implemented, in accordance with its medium-term business plan (2008-2012). This project collects information directly from local government bodies and other such organizers of special events, and provides the information through the VICS special event parking lot device as requested by highway administrators. There are great expectations for the project in terms of its operability and performance in introduction of the system. This paper first introduces special event parking lot information provision projects that have been implemented throughout Japan. Next, it will report on a measurement and evaluation survey regarding amelioration of congestion caused by vehicles waiting to enter parking lots and enhancement of user satisfaction, and it will indicate the validity of the project. It will also make reference to measures to promote widespread adoption of the project.