Technology uses sensors embedded in road to provide information on empty spaces
Cardiff Council has released a smartphone app designed to work with a network of sensors to help people find parking spaces around the city.
It has developed the app, named Park Cardiff, with parking technology specialist Smart Parking and claims to be the first local authority in Europe to use the technology on a citywide basis.
It makes use of infrared vehicle detection sensors embedded in the road to detect whether or not a parking bay is occupied.
The app is populated with data from the sensors and can direct users towards an empty space. It is available for iOS and Android devices, and connects with the MiPermit parking payment service used by the council.
Helping motorist and council
Councillor Caro Wild, cabinet member for strategic planning and transport at Cardiff Council, said: “Now that we have invested in this scheme, we want people that park in and around the city centre to download the free app – it is easy to use and will help both the motorist and the council.
“Congestion and driving at low speeds significantly increases pollutants form cars, so we want people to find a space and park as quickly as possible.”
The roll out follows a pilot project, which began early this year and in which 225 sensors were installed in streets around the centre of the city.
Paul Gillespie, Smart Parking’s group chief executive officer, said: “The launch of the Smart Parking system is an important step in realising Cardiff’s vision of being a high quality, liveable smart city. Through the use of this innovative technology and the information it gathers, the city now has the opportunity to better understand the dynamics of traffic and parking.”
Image from Smart Parking
