January 2024
Digital innovation in all sectors has led to consumers who are more savvy and more demanding when it comes to both convenience and efficiency. Thankfully, modern technology is rapidly replacing antiquated parking management systems and can now save consumers time and effort.
The increased number of cars on the road, a lack of sufficient parking space, traffic congestion, high levels of CO2 emissions and high costs are just a few of the issues that drivers face when trying to park their cars, especially in major metropolitan areas.
So many elements of parking can now be digitized to add value and convenience for parking garage operators and their customers. Although it is difficult for some to adapt to new technology, the COVID-19 pandemic forced us to become more comfortable with contactless service.
Modern-day parking challenges require modern solutions, and here are some of the simplest and most effective ways to give consumers convenient access to user-friendly options to pay for parking.
Start with Cloud-Based Software
Platforms like Oobeo, FLASH and Parkable—cloud-based software that streamlines parking operations via web, mobile and SMS technologies—make it easier for guests to access parking services using their mobile phones.
Comprehensive systems like these manage pay-by-space, mobile valet, monthly permit and event parking plus billing and mobile payments, while eliminating lines of people waiting to use payment kiosks, lost parking tickets and added emissions from lines of idling cars waiting to enter and exit.
This is the future of the industry, and valet and garage operators must capitalize on it. Not only do digital parking innovations create a frictionless experience for the consumer, but they also can increase revenue by 20 to 30 percent for parking lot and garage owners.
Strive for Contactless Payments
According to Mastercard, 75percent of consumers prefer using contactless payment over other methods of payment.
Property owners who replace their high-maintenance payment kiosks and paper tickets with contactless, cloud-based payment methods allow their clients to pay for parking safely and seamlessly from inside their vehicles. When guests or residents arrive at a surface lot or garage facility, they will see simple signage that displays three contactless methods to pay for parking: SMS, QR code scan or tap the Near Field Communication tag.
Users then receive a link to enter their license plate number and the duration for which they want to park before paying through a variety of methods on their phone.
Consumers do not have to download a parking app, wait in line to pay at a parking kiosk or for a slow-moving gate arm to raise, or return to the lot to extend their parking time. Cashless systems also help protect consumers from theft.
Optimize Gateless Service with License Plate Recognition
Cameras with license plate readers (LPRs) track plate numbers for garage enforcement, and consumers do not have to keep track of tickets but instead get a validation code from the retailer they are visiting.
Simply by entering their phone number and license plate number, consumers receive a confirmation text and notifications about when their time is expiring. Apartment residents can do the same for their permits.
When garage monitoring systems are integrated with the appropriate software, LPRs can help provide real-time data on what’s happening in the facility. For parking garage operators who are worried about going gateless, LPRs provide a way for them to protect their revenue.
Readily available parking, especially in urban areas, is crucial for the success of retailers. Thanks to digital parking technology, parked cars can be monitored to ensure their drivers are complying with parking rates and rules to guarantee that valuable parking space is reserved for customers. Online, cloud-based parking enforcement is more accurate, more efficient and allows for real-time connectivity.
PAVE Mobility is a great example of a parking enforcement solution that utilizes LPR technology to remove the friction and frustration from parking regulation. PAVE’s software is connected to a garage’s LPR cameras to detect violations based on customized regulations and parking permit lists. The system then mails out a parking charge notice. Violators pay their notices via an online portal. The beauty of LP
R-based enforcement systems like PAVE is that they offer a much softer touch than the more aggressive booting or towing methods that place a huge burden on customers. Additionally, the 24/7 monitoring of a garage offers both safety for customers and additional real-time data for clients.
Jeff Patterson is the owner and operator of Phoenix Parking Solutions in Atlanta, Georgia. Email him at Jeff@phoenixparkingsolutions.com.
