Smart Parking, a provider of car parking technology and parking management services, has been awarded a new contract by Westminster City Council in London to install SmartPark, the company’s system for easy location of parking space.
SmartPark, an integrated package of latest technology, provides motorists with real-time information on unoccupied on-street car parking spaces in a city centre.
The system is a series of virtually flat, anti-slip profile, RFID-equipped SmartEye sensors that use infrared to detect when a vehicle has occupied a parking space, and this real-time data is then used to update appropriate devices with changes to parking space occupancy.
Drivers can access a dedicated mobile application through their smartphone to get current information on parking spaces, and can be guided to the nearest unoccupied bay.
Once parked, the app can also be configured to aid parking payment via the authority’s remote payment method.
Under the initial three-year contract, Smart Parking will deploy up to 10,000 SmartEye sensors in two phases across the central London Borough.
Work under phase one will include installation of 3,000 sensors at all ‘paid-for’ and disabled parking bays across the West End, and will begin in January next year.
Following the successful review of the first phase, an additional 7,000 sensors will be installed across the remaining parts of the city.
Smart Parking group CEO Paul Gillespie said: “The city is one of the world’s busiest and most important conurbations, and SmartPark will play a key role in helping its roads and parking spaces operate more efficiently.
“SmartPark is a tried and tested solution that makes it easier to find a parking space, reducing congestion and cutting vehicle emissions.
“It delivers proven benefits for both drivers and local authorities, and we’re confident that residents, businesses and visitors to Westminster will have their driving and parking experience transformed in the months and years ahead.”
Smart Parking has already conducted a successful trial for Westminster, with a network of 189 SmartEye sensors in streets, including Savile Row, Jermyn Street and St John’s Wood High Street.