Finding a parking space in cities can sometimes be an arduous task that can stress drivers, and even pedestrians, around 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 urbanization due to urban growth, inefficient use and management of available space, and a lack of accurate information on parking occupancy that forces people to search for parking spaces blindly. Fortunately, today there are smart technologies to reverse the situation and benefit from solutions that facilitate urban parking and improve the quality of life for both visitors and residents in cities.
Technological solutions for urban parking
Sensors and other detection systems
The sensors, installed at ground level in each parking space, are highly reliable autonomous devices with a long service life that require minimal maintenance. They are able to accurately detect the presence of vehicles and automatically transmit the information in real time to the central platform. Because they perform detection in the cloud, continuous and accurate data calibration is ensured, so the information drivers receive is accurate and up to date.
On the other hand, there are other detection systems that involve the use of cameras. These are capable of processing the captured images with artificial intelligence, providing accurate vehicle counts and real-time updates. They are recommended primarily for large parking areas or spaces with well-defined entrances and exits. At all times, these systems comply with data protection regulations, such as GDPR in Europe, to ensure user privacy.
Mobile applications and signage panels
Mobile applications and signage panels used in intelligent guidance systems display data collected by sensors and detection systems. The aim is to provide drivers with up-to-date information about available spaces in the area and guide them to them without unnecessary turns.
Mobile parking applications allow users to plan their journeys, while signage panels are installed at strategic points along the urban roadway 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. These systems provide centralized access to detailed information on parking space occupancy.
By cross-referencing sensor data with user interactions, it is possible to continuously monitor the availability of spaces. Control of parking spaces ensures better parking management and guarantees compliance with current regulations. It helps to reduce the number of violations and fraud due to improper parking use.
Through the use of artificial intelligence, such as machine learning, patterns of use and demand can be identified, thus anticipating parking needs and enabling informed decisions to be made in city infrastructure planning.
Benefits of adopting intelligent parking technology
Reduction of traffic congestion
Thanks to real-time information on the availability of parking spaces, drivers can quickly navigate to empty spaces without the need to repeatedly circle the streets. This minimizes the time spent searching and thus reduces traffic congestion and stress for both drivers and pedestrians. This optimization of vehicular flow also improves quality of life by reducing the noise associated with constant circulation.
Reduction of carbon emissions
Spending less time behind the wheel helps to reduce emissions of polluting gases into the atmosphere by reducing fuel consumption. These smart systems are increasingly adopted by cities committed to reducing their carbon footprint and promoting environmentally responsible practices. In addition to mitigating environmental impact, this measure also has a positive impact on air quality and, consequently, on public health.
Optimization of available space
The use of intelligent parking detection and control technologies facilitates the identification and occupation of available spaces. These technologies make it possible to allocate spaces for specific needs, such as loading and unloading areas, spaces reserved for public transport or for people with reduced mobility. In addition, the control of the use of parking spaces optimizes the available space, reducing the time drivers spend looking for parking. By adapting the use of each space according to demand, infrastructure capacity is maximized without the need to build new areas.
Loading and Unloading
Improved user experience
All of the above benefits trigger an improvement that has a direct impact on the experience of both drivers and citizens in general. By reducing the time wasted in the search for parking, stress is minimized and money is saved by reducing unnecessary fuel consumption, which also contributes to lower emissions of polluting gases 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 a solution. These systems are able to manage both spaces for private use and to integrate with public transport systems, facilitating intermodality in the city center. In the future they could be implemented, for example, in fully autonomous parking lots where vehicles are parked and retrieved without the need for direct human intervention.
To ensure scalable adoption of these technologies, cities can develop deployment strategies that start by optimizing specific areas with high congestion and then gradually expand to other areas. By continuously monitoring performance, Urbiotica’s smart parking systems allow for customized adjustments, a feedback that can be tailored to the specific needs of each community.
