The surge in car ownership has exacerbated the challenge of securing parking spaces in densely populated areas. The quest for available lots consumes valuable time, adds to the congestion on roads, and poses new infrastructure challenges. As per findings from Science Direct, drivers invest more than seven minutes in the quest for suitable parking spots, with around 30% of vehicles in metropolitan cities facing this delay. Beyond fuel wastage and heightened air pollution, the scarcity of parking spaces induces frustration among drivers. Addressing this, Automated Parking Systems (APS) and Parking Apps offer a prompt solution, enhancing efficiency by eradicating the delays linked to manual parking operations.
How Does APS Work?
APS offers electronic valet parking services for residential areas, offices, and commercial centers. Upon arrival, drivers stop at an entrance area where an AI-powered system scans their vehicle to determine its size. Simultaneously, a digital survey identifies an optimal parking slot within the facility. Once the driver and passengers exit the vehicle and obtain a parking ticket, the car moves into the facility. Utilizing sensors, the system verifies if anyone remains inside the car. If not, a mechanical system transports the empty vehicle to the designated parking slot. The efficiency of APS lies in its utilization of vertical space, eliminating the need for drivers to manually search for parking spaces. This not only simplifies the process but also diminishes the risk of accidents in parking lots, given that pedestrians and drivers are no longer directly engaged in the parking maneuver.
Emergence of Parking Apps
Parking apps have become indispensable tools in the modern urban landscape, simplifying the way drivers navigate and secure parking spaces. These applications leverage real-time data to provide users with information on available parking spaces and even predictive insights into future availability. With user-friendly interfaces, they enable drivers to conveniently locate, reserve, and pay for parking spots, eliminating the hassle of searching for traditional meters or dealing with loose change. Once a car owner reserves a booking at their preferred location, a dedicated valet takes charge, efficiently parking the car. The convenience extends further, as a simple request through the app prompts the valet to return the car to its owner.
Ensuring Peace of Mind
Advancements in technology are enhancing the security of parked vehicles. Intelligent surveillance systems equipped with AI-powered cameras actively oversee parking lots, swiftly detecting any suspicious activities and delivering real-time alerts.
This not only acts as a deterrent against theft and vandalism but also introduces an additional layer of safety, contributing to an overall secure parking experience. Some parking apps even incorporate useful features like reminders before a parking session expires, ensuring a smooth and stress-free parking experience.
Future Prospects and Industry Growth
The global landscape of car parking operations and management stands on the threshold of remarkable growth, driven by the relentless progress of technology. Recent trends point towards a forecasted CAGR of 11.1% from 2022 to 2030, showcasing the growing potential and rising integration of technological advancements in the parking sector. As technology continues to redefine parking paradigms, the synergy among Automated Parking Systems, Parking Apps and other innovative solutions signals a future where the vexations of parking are greatly mitigated. These advancements not only optimize space utilization and streamline operations but also contribute significantly to fostering a more sustainable and interconnected urban environment.
The author is the Co- Founder of ParkMate.