Intelligent Parking Solutions Reduce Emissions and Traffic

STREET PARKING
Technology can increase efficiency for street parking in a number of areas, and there are already a number of pilot projects in operation, said Paul Everett, Research Director for Access Control, Fire and Security, IMS Research. “San Francisco installed wireless parking sensors in an attempt to reduce the need for drivers to circle the city looking for a space. The sensors were placed at metered parking spaces, entrances/exits to city-owned lots and other unmetered spaces. The wireless, electromagnetic sensors detect and report whether a space is occupied, for how long, all in real time. The program also offers the ability to use credit and debit cards at spaces as well as prepaid parking meter cards.”

CAR CHARGING
The advent of electric and hybrid cars is also a huge opportunity for municipalities and parking operators. With the likely growth in plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles on the horizon, people will benefit from being able to charge away from home, Martin said. “Installing regular electrical outlets at which people can pay for electricity allows parking lots to get into the fuel business, and would serve as a draw for electric vehicle owners. Many parking lots do not have any such infrastructure currently. Even a subset of electrified spaces could command a price premium and draw in owners of electrified vehicles to park.”

Some challenges with car-charging services include authorizing access to the outlet, which can utilize access control solutions or use a software management system. The security of the vehicle also becomes more of an issue, since the charging component of the vehicle is exposed for an extended period of time. Surveillance and VCA are necessary to ensure the safety of the vehicle.

The demand for smarter and centrally connected parking solutions is definitely increasing, Yigit said. “More institutions and municipalities are looking to provide better service to their citizens, while reducing costs and potentially increasing revenues. Having few available parking spaces is a common complaint in many areas.” With increasing TCO and parking headaches, improving and easing the driving experience is necessary to maintain customers, Fox added.

With environmental conditions worsening, energy consumption skyrocketing and oil reserves dwindling, sustainable living benefits. Road vehicles are a major source of carbon dioxide emissions and smarter parking solutions are among the ways to reduce their impact.