Finding a parking space in cities can sometimes be an arduous task that can stress drivers, and even pedestrians, all over the world. As the number of vehicles circulating in the city increases, the demand for parking intensifies, leading to increased road congestion, wasted time and environmental pollution.
The main causes of this problem are often accelerated urbanisation due to city growth, inefficient use and management of available space, and lack of accurate information on the occupancy of parking spaces, leading to a blind search for parking. Fortunately, there are now smart technologies available to turn the tide and benefit from solutions that make urban parking easier and improve the quality of life for city visitors and residents alike.
Technological solutions for urban parking
Sensors and other detection systems
The sensors, installed at ground level in each parking space, are highly reliable, self-contained devices with a long service life, which require minimal maintenance. They accurately detect vehicle presence and automatically transmit the information in real time to the central platform. By performing detection in the cloud, continuous and accurate data calibration is assured, so the information drivers receive is precise and updated.
There are also other detection systems that involve the use of cameras. These process captured pictures with artificial intelligence, providing accurate vehicle counts and real-time updates. They are particularly recommended for large parking areas or spaces with well-defined entrances and exits and comply with data protection regulations, such as the European GDPR, to ensure the privacy of users at all times.
Mobile applications and signage panels
Mobile applications and signage panels used in smart guidance systems display data collected by sensors and detection systems. The aim is to provide drivers with updated information on available spaces in the area and to guide them to them without unnecessary detours.
Mobile parking applications allow users to plan their journeys, while signage panels are installed at strategic points on the road for greater visibility while driving; these real-time guidance systems improve the user experience and make it possible to reduce traffic flow.
Control systems and data analysis
Advanced parking control solutions are designed to be accessible to both administrators and users, providing centralised access to detailed information on parking space occupancy.
By cross-referencing sensor data with user interactions, it is possible to continuously monitor availability. The control of parking spaces ensures better car park management and guarantees compliance with current regulations. It helps to reduce the number of parking violations and parking fraud.
Through the use of artificial intelligence, such as machine learning, usage and demand patterns can be identified to anticipate parking needs and allow for informed decisions in city infrastructure planning.
Benefits of adopting smart parking technology
Reduction of traffic congestion
Thanks to real-time information on parking space availability, drivers can quickly find empty spaces without the need to repeatedly circle. This minimises the time spent searching and therefore reduces traffic congestion and stress for both drivers and pedestrians. The optimised vehicle flow also improves quality of life by reducing the noise associated with constant traffic.
Reduction of carbon emissions
Spending less time behind the wheel means reduced fuel consumption and therefore fewer emissions of polluting gases into the atmosphere. These smart systems are increasingly adopted by cities committed to reducing their carbon footprint and promoting environmentally responsible practices. In addition to mitigating environmental impacts, this measure also has a positive impact on air quality and thus on public health.
Optimisation of available space
The use of smart parking detection and control technologies makes it easier to identify and occupy available spaces, allowing for the allocation of spaces for specific needs, such as loading and unloading, spaces reserved for public transport or for people with reduced mobility. The control of the use of parking spaces also optimises the space available and reduces the time drivers spend looking. By adapting the use of each space according to demand, infrastructure capacity is maximised without the need to build new areas.
Loading and Unloading
Improving the user experience
All these benefits lead to an improvement that has a direct impact on the experience both of drivers and of citizens in general. By reducing time wasted in the search for parking, stress is minimised and money is saved by reducing unnecessary fuel consumption, which also contributes to lower pollutant emissions and thus improves air quality in cities.
The future of urban parking
As cities continue to grow, new urban mobility challenges will emerge for which urban parking systems offer solutions. These systems are able to manage spaces for private use and can be integrated in public transport systems, facilitating intermodality in the city centre. In the future they could be implemented, for example, in fully autonomous car parks where vehicles are parked and retrieved without the need for direct human intervention.
To ensure a scalable adoption of these technologies, cities can develop deployment strategies that start by optimising specific areas with high congestion and then gradually expand to other areas. Through continuous performance monitoring, Urbiotica’s smart parking systems allow for customised adjustments and feedback that can be adapted to the specific needs of each community.
