Smart parking solutions are helping drivers around the world find, reserve and pay for parking. The system of interconnected sensors, users and devices that make up smart parking allow drivers to make informed decisions related to parking. The following are just a few of the components that make up smart parking.
Parking Guidance Systems
Many cities have boards or signals that tell drivers how many available parking spaces each parking garage or lot has. Inside parking garages, guidance systems inform drivers which floor has available parking spaces, and where those spaces are. All this is possible thanks to sensors that provide the information. With this information, drivers can decide where they will park without it becoming a guessing game. Guidance systems can also help motorists with mobility issues find a suitable parking space.
To read more about some of the parking guidance systems available, click here or here.
Paperless Parking
In an effort to save paper and cut costs, many companies are going ‘paperless.’ Many of the newer parking meters do not issue paper tickets to display on the windshield, but rather record the information using the car plate number.
To read more about paperless parking and cashless machines, click here or here.
Apps
Smart phone applications are becoming the backbone of smart parking. Many parking apps allow drivers to find available parking spaces, and, in some cases, reserve a space. Some apps also detect when a car has been parked acting as the mobile meter. Users can extend their parking time or pay real-time parking based on the exact moment of check-in and check-out. Apps also take care of the billing aspect of parking allowing drivers to park without worrying about coins or a bank pass.
Apps and parking software also make parking enforcement easier and cost-effective. Enforcing authorities save time by using the software and apps available to detect who is illegally parked. Some applications even allow you to pay a fine or citation.
To read more about parking apps, click here or here.
Short-term and Long-term benefits
Smart parking provides many benefits for everyone involved. Drivers spend less time looking for parking and save money by paying for real-time parking.
Parking operators also benefit because parking garages are more efficient when drivers know there is a spot available. The data from the apps and the software allow operators to make informed decisions to optimize parking and earnings.
Smart parking solutions can also help reduce pollution related to traffic. When 30% of traffic is a result of drivers looking to park, reducing the time it takes to park ultimately reduces the noise and carbon emissions.
If you are interested in more information, this article explains smart parking in more detail.
