By Jade Neville
Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries globally, with transportation and parking being no exception. In the U.K., the integration of AI into parking systems is gaining traction, promising to improve efficiency and user experience. However, how does the public feel about this shift?
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A recent survey, conducted by the parking technology provider Trellint UK, sheds light on public perceptions, revealing both enthusiasm and areas where more understanding is needed. These insights also offer lessons for audiences in the United States facing similar challenges.
What do people know about AI?
When it comes to general familiarity with AI, the survey paints an interesting picture. Nearly half of the respondents (45%) said they were "somewhat familiar" with AI, while 20% considered themselves "very familiar." A quarter (25%) admitted to having "heard of it but don’t know much," and 10% were "not familiar at all."
This mix of awareness levels highlights a clear need for education and outreach. For many people, AI remains an abstract concept, and without greater understanding, its potential benefits in parking systems may not be fully appreciated. By demystifying AI — what it is, how it works, and what it can do — we can pave the way for broader acceptance and smoother implementation.
Attitudes toward AI: optimism with a dash of caution
Public attitudes toward AI are generally positive, with 40% of respondents "somewhat agreeing" and 25% "strongly agreeing" that AI is beneficial to society. However, a notable portion (20%) remained neutral, while 15% expressed disagreement to some degree.
This cautious optimism suggests that while people are open to the idea of AI, they may have reservations or unanswered questions. Transparency and tangible demonstrations of AI’s value — especially in areas like parking — will be key to converting this neutral and skeptical audience into advocates.
AI in parking: growing awareness, growing potential
Interestingly, respondents showed slightly higher familiarity with AI applications in transportation and parking systems than with AI in general. Half of those surveyed (50%) were "somewhat familiar" with AI in this context, and 15% said they were "very familiar." However, the remaining 35% fell into the categories of "heard of it but don’t know much" (25%) or "not familiar at all" (10%).
This growing awareness reflects the increasing visibility of AI-driven technologies in the sector. From automated payment systems to license plate recognition, AI is already shaping how we park and pay. Yet, for many, these innovations remain behind the scenes. By highlighting real-world examples of AI improving parking experiences, the industry can build on this growing familiarity.
What people see as the benefits
When asked if AI could improve parking systems by making it easier to find available spaces and reducing time spent searching for parking, optimism shone through. More than a third (35%) "strongly agreed," and 30% "somewhat agreed." Although 20% remained neutral, only 15% expressed disagreement.
The appeal is clear: fewer wasted minutes circling the block, reduced congestion, and a smoother experience for everyone. These benefits also have wider implications, such as lowering emissions from idling vehicles and easing frustrations in urban centers. It’s a win-win, if implemented thoughtfully.
Lessons for the U.S. audience
Though this survey focuses on the U.K., its findings hold significant relevance for U.S. cities, which face similar parking challenges. Urban congestion, limited parking spaces, and the environmental effects of excessive vehicle emissions are shared concerns across the Atlantic. AI-driven solutions, such as predictive analytics for parking availability or dynamic pricing, could address these issues in both countries.
Perhaps most importantly, the U.K. data underscores the critical role of public perception. In both the U.K. and the U.S., winning public trust is essential for the successful adoption of AI technologies. By addressing concerns early and showcasing clear, tangible benefits, cities on both sides of the pond can make smarter, AI-powered parking systems a reality.
The survey reveals a cautiously optimistic public, intrigued by the potential of AI to improve parking systems but also in need of greater understanding and reassurance. For policymakers and industry leaders in the U.K. and U.S. alike, the message is clear: education, transparency, and real-world success stories will be critical. If we can bridge the gap between technology and trust, AI has the potential to transform parking — and urban life in general — for the better.
JADE NEVILLE is the sales operations and marketing manager for Trellint. She can be reached at jade.neville@trellint.com.
