Car park technology boosts efficiency, safety, and profits with ANPR, real-time tracking and mobile payments. See how to future-proof your car park today.
Car parks have the potential to generate remarkable annual revenue for your business. Yet, outdated technology and poor monitoring systems can hurt profitability, efficiency, and usability. So, to stay competitive, it’s crucial to modernise your car park’s technology to meet current industry standards.
Harnessing the latest car park technology, like ANPR systems and mobile payment apps, will boost revenue and safety. It will also improve the visitor experience and save on operational costs. The British Parking Association says that smart parking technologies are helping UK operators reduce costs by up to 20%.
Britannia Parking ranks among the UK’s top car park management technology providers. We recognise how vital it is to unlock your car park’s full potential. Here are three essential tech systems we recommend to future-proof your parking facility.
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR)
Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) is vital for modern car park technology. It ensures easy and secure vehicle access management. Initially developed in the 1970s, ANPR technology has since evolved into a highly reliable tool for car parks of all sizes.
The system works by strategically positioning cameras at entry and exit points. This setup helps capture clear images of vehicle licence plates, which are enhanced with advanced software. Then, Optical Character Recognition (OCR) algorithms extract the letters and numbers on the plate. The data is then securely stored alongside timestamps and location data, providing a valuable audit trail.
Key Benefits of ANPR Systems include:
Fully automated operation, eliminating the need for on-site personnel.
Improved security helps identify suspicious or unauthorised vehicles.
Real-time traffic flow data, supporting congestion management.
Contactless entry and exit, removing the need for tickets or barriers.
Optimised space turnover has a knock-on effect that helps boost profitability.
Instant alerts for flagged vehicles, supporting police and local authorities in investigations.
Thanks to advancements in computer vision and AI, today’s ANPR systems are more accurate and faster. They also offer more features, making them vital for smart car park management.
Real-Time Occupancy Tracking
Real-time occupancy tracking systems monitor parking spaces. They give drivers live updates on availability using digital signs or mobile apps. These systems rely on several technologies. They use infrared, ultrasonic, and magnetic field sensors and camera-based detection. This allows them to track vehicle movements accurately at entry and exit points. The collected data is analysed to determine the real-time status of each parking space.
According to Transport for London, parking-related congestion accounts for up to 30% of urban traffic. These systems reduce vehicle circulation by directing drivers to available spaces quickly. They also help boost the local air quality and improve the visitor experience.
Benefits of Real-Time Occupancy Tracking include:
Optimised space allocation, identifying underused areas and improving maintenance planning.
Dynamic pricing strategies enable rate adjustments based on real-time demand to maximise revenue.
Improved traffic flow and reduced congestion within the car park and surrounding roads.
Mobile App Payment Options
Almost every driver now has a smartphone, so mobile parking payment apps are key in today’s car park technology. These apps, offered by car park operators or trusted third-party platforms, let drivers pay for parking. They can also extend their sessions and manage their visits straight from their devices.
Typically, drivers create an account, add a payment method, and input parking details such as location and duration. Payments are completed within seconds, with digital receipts issued for convenience.
Key Advantages of Mobile Parking Apps include:
Despite this, the RAC reports that of the 1,387 people surveyed, 83% prefer parking payments over mobile apps. This is a tight line for car park operators to walk. On the one hand, parking operators should adopt this technology as consumer needs are changing. However, it’s clear that the change might not be popular from the out.
Modernise Your Car Park with Britannia Parking
At Britannia Parking, we see car park technology as a way to increase visitor experiences and increase revenue for operators. We specialise in delivering a comprehensive range of car park management systems, including:
Whether you run one car park or many, our experts are here to help. We'll work with you to suggest and use the best technology for your site. We do this quickly, efficiently, and at a great price. Are you looking to modernise your car park? See how our car park technology can raise profits, simplify operations, and prepare your parking facilities for the future. Contact the team today.
