Cars are so ubiquitous that you most likely don’t spend much time thinking about the intricacies of their systems and what makes them work in the first place, if at all. And out of the things you probably consider the least, parking is perhaps at the top of the list. However, technologies continue to evolve in this sector as well, especially as the needs and requirements of drivers continue changing. Finding the right spot can be almost impossible if you live in a busy city, and racing against the clock to leave a parking space can feel just as stressful, if not even more so if you have a queue of impatient drivers lining behind you to take your spot.
With all that in mind, it makes sense for technology to evolve as demands change. It’s not just about comfort and convenience but also about guaranteeing the safety and security of drivers, their passengers, and pedestrians.
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Smart systems
IoT technology is one of the best ways to ensure parking spaces become better and more ordered. This technology can be used to optimise operations via data collection and utilisation. It can ensure that parking becomes a much more structured and systematic process across all areas, ranging from complex management to simple reservations. The integration of IoT sensors in parking areas ensures the spaces are less likely to deal with congestion, delays, and interruptions. Innovative mobile applications can handle pre-bookings and help drivers navigate the available spots more efficiently. Real-time navigation becomes possible with location input so that you are aware of the nearest parking areas available to you, and payments become far more hassle-free through integrated systems that eliminate the need for additional paperwork or cash payments.
Airport parking
Parking your car at the airport allows you to travel more comfortably, especially if your flight is during the off-hours when it can be challenging to find transportation. Typically, you should be able to keep your car in an airport parking area for up to a month, but some places may be able to accommodate longer stays if you speak to them in advance. Manchester Airport parking offers a wide range of options and services owing to the importance of the location, with the airport being the third-busiest in the UK. Given the large number of flights and passengers, it only makes sense that many parking options will also be available.
Electric vehicle charging stations are becoming increasingly popular in airports, enhancing accessibility and convenience. License Plate Recognition technology is another important feature that doesn’t only eliminate the need for customer touchpoints but can also add an extra level of security to the entire facility. Customers who have committed rule infringements and violations in the past will be easier to identify, and in the case of extreme disturbances or troubles, they can be denied entry to the airport parking facilities.
Although it can seem like something that should already have been sorted out long ago, many airport parking facilities have yet to secure their payment systems. Parkos offers a wide range of payment methods and accepts most major credit and debit cards when making online payments. All transactions are processed via secure systems, and none of the service providers have access to your personal information or details.
Automation
Automated parking systems use the space to its maximum potential, being an effective and efficient solution that allows more vehicles in a single area compared to the standard methods. The areas that have a limited amount of space at their disposal could make the best use of this functionality. When automation is set in place, security measures are also improved, reducing the likelihood of vandalism and theft. When parking processes are digitised and operated through smart software and platforms, it also means that there’s a reduced incidence of traffic jams and interruptions.
Those who use autonomous vehicle integration can also identify available spaces in the parking bay, creating better-organised traffic flow. This is possible through the means of consistent information and data sharing, which guarantees you don’t have to spend a long time searching for a parking space.
Subscriptions
Giving customers the opportunity to use a subscription service means that they can secure parking spaces for specific periods. This makes for predictability in the system, a critical feature, especially in areas that are frequently dealing with congestion and traffic jams. Drivers might also be able to save money as part of loyalty programs and rewards, making the systems valuable and worthwhile in the eyes of the customers. It is also a much more efficient solution when you consider that you are only paying one time instead of several times a day.
Reservation systems follow the same parameters, letting users book their spaces in advance through a simple process that only takes a few moments and can be performed from their smartphones. Prepaid services guarantee availability so that you don’t have to deal with uncomfortable situations in which you reach the location only to discover that there are no parking spaces unoccupied. You don’t have to worry about wasting your time, especially during hectic times such as the holiday season. Reservations make the whole parking process much simpler and stress-free overall. You don’t have to worry about being late and being unable to stick to your schedule because you’re stuck driving in circles in a parking lot for a quarter of an hour.
To sum up, although it can seem like there’s nothing else that can be changed about car parking, the truth is that this industry and manufacturing sector continues improving and innovating. The integration of new sensors and devices can make a huge difference, and the changes are designed to prioritise the users and make things easier for drivers. Parking structures are also becoming more sustainable through the use of green roofs, insulation, LED lights, and occupancy sensors, making the parking areas more energy-efficient and less polluting.
Technology is the key to these developments, and as an industry, it is ever-growing and evolving. That means that parking itself will only ever keep improving.