City council tests software hooking up sensors and mobile app to guide drivers to empty bays
Cardiff City Council has launched a pilot of smart parking scheme, claiming to be the first city aside from London to use the relevant technology.
It is working with its parking management firm Smart Parking on guiding motorists towards empty parking bays in a number of streets around the city centre.
The company has installed 225 SmartEye vehicle detection centres, equipped with radio frequency identification and connected to the central system through SmartLink transmitters. The information is then fed to a SmartRep software system, then to a SmartApp for mobile devices, which shows green when a space is available and amber or red when it is taken. The app is available for iOS and Android devices.
In addition, the SmartRep software collates the information for the council to use in day-today management and planning.
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Councillor Ramesh Patel, cabinet member for transport, planning and sustainability, said: “Although our priority is to get as many people to use public transport as possible, city centre parking is also important. I am pleased the implementation of the Smart Parking pilot is complete and we now want as many people to download the free app as possible.
“If the scheme is successful, the council will look at all available options to extend the scheme city wide. It goes without saying that we ask all those using the app, only to use their mobile phone when safe and legal to do so.”
Paul Gillespie, group chief executive officer of Smart Park, said the app would help drivers find a parking space and help to reduce congestion.
Pictureby Phillip Perry, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia
