In the United State of America, the Parking Industry contributes about $30 billion in revenue annually. The revenue results from contributions by almost everyone who owns a vehicle in the country! As per census reports, there are over 100 million parking spaces. Hence, it is only natural that the industry has to strive to be as organized and efficient as it can be. This has resulted in automation in various aspects of parking.
Automated Parking Systems
Parking areas are using innovative automatic parking system designs to ensure effective and optimal usage of space. The rotary, elevator, multi-circulation, and multi-level parking systems allow the driver to leave the car at the ground level, and the vehicle is automatically lifted and mechanically placed in an available slot. This allows for both quick parking and retrieval of the vehicle. Rotary is used when dedicated car parking spaces are a requirement. Elevator parking is more popular in commercial and office spaces as it is the most effective in terms of space usage. Multi-level also allows for efficient usage of space, and is common to both private and public spaces. Multi circulation systems are good for smaller buildings. All systems use good mechanical and hydraulic lift units that can handle heavy loads. These solutions are safe and allow for secure access for its users. These new automated parking systems have made searching for parking spots a problem of the past. However, this is only one aspect of automated parking solutions.
Automated parking meters
The other aspect of parking solutions is the automated, electronic digital parking meters. These are evolving into solutions that ensure lesser maintenance costs and lesser equipment costs. Some of them can even handle different parking fee structures and have enhanced features like the capability to issue passes for entry to parks or tickets at transition points. These solutions are best applicable to parking spaces for parks, recreational grounds, amusement parks and campuses. Apart from meter or debit cards, automated parking solutions now allow users to use their credit card, and it gets processed real-time. The parking meter systems can be controlled remotely by use of web based software, which in turn reduces the downtime of the equipment.
Access and Payment Applications
The parking meters now come with the payment applications that need no staff assistance. To allow end-users flexibility, there are different payment applications like:
1. Pay and Display- User pays for parking and displays the ticket on the dash
2. Pay by Space- Parking lots where parking spaces have designated numbers use this format. User parks enter parking space number and pay at the station
3. Pay on Entry- User pays at the entry gate, looks for parking, parks and exits without validation
4. Pay on Exit- User gets ticket for entry and can exit after validation and payment
5. Pay-by-License- Cost effective and eliminates fraud, as license plate numbers are unique to every vehicle.
6. Pay on Foot- User gets ticket for entry but has to walk to a separate access pay station before leaving the parking area.
With various formats and options in place, the respective agencies and businesses now need to evaluate the automated parking solutions available in the market and implement the same to reap cost benefits in the future.
