Parking Guidance Systems

Parking guidance systems uses a series of cameras, sensors, and variable message signs to assist drivers in finding available parking spaces. This reduces idling, congestion, and time spent circling parking lots or garages looking for empty parking spaces. There are a range of types of parking guidance systems that utilize different technologies to display parking availability; for example, some sensors can detect one or multiple spaces, utilize license plate recognition, or even enable mobile payment systems that allow drivers to reserve a parking space in advance.¹ Parking guidance systems can be implemented in indoor or outdoor settings and in a range of industries, including airports, hospitals, universities, hotels, or mixed-use developments.²

How it Helps

Parking guidance systems are implemented to improve traffic flow, increase mobility, and reduce idling and travel time from circling vehicles.³ These factors all lead to decreased vehicle emissions and better air quality, both inside and outside a parking facility. Guidance systems can also prevent driver frustration from continuously circling lots which can lead to problems such as road rage and traffic violence. Additionally, these parking systems can lead to other benefits such as reducing fuel consumption and vehicle wear-and-tear.⁴

Implementing

Type of Technology:

Since there are different forms of parking guidance systems, parking facilities will have to decide which type of technology to implement to best fit the drivers’ needs. For example, parking facilities can utilize single- or multi-space cameras, wireless sensors, different types of signage, or include a mobile application.

Demand:

Parking guidance systems should be implemented in areas where the demand for off-street parking is high and the supply is relatively equal or lower.⁵ In these areas, drivers may choose on-street parking to avoid the hassle of searching for available parking spaces in lots or garages, but this can lead to increased traffic congestion and emissions levels.

Examples

1) El Monte, California

El Monte, California near Los Angeles has implemented smart parking guidance systems to provide commuters and visitors a more positive parking experience and to encourage ridership on public transit. This technology was deployed at highly congested areas of the city to provide real-time parking availability with turn-by-turn signage. Its goal is to support the economy while reducing vehicle emissions.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/city-of-el-monte-selects-clevercitis-smart-parking-guidance-system-to-improve-parking-efficiency-for-local-shopping-and-public-transit-access-301284348.html

2) Houston, Texas

Since it is often difficult to find available parking in downtown Houston’s central business district, Houston government officials have taken steps to install a parking guidance system that utilizes signs and a mobile app to tell drivers where to park. Federal funds aimed at reducing transportation-related air pollution covered much of the project cost.

https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/transportation/article/City-takes-next-step-in-downtown-parking-system-9967454.php

1. Gabrail, F., et al. (2017). Parking Guidance Systems. https://www.diva-portal.org/smash/get/diva2:1112181/FULLTEXT01.pdf

2. Parking Guidance Systems, LLC. https://parkingguidancesystems.com/

3. How a parking guidance system can cut CO2 emissions. (2021). Quercus. https://www.quercus-technologies.com/news/how-a-parking-guidance-system-can-cut-co2-emissions

4. Garrard, D. (2022). Parking Technology and Sustainability: Reducing Environmental Impact with Sustainable Parking Solutions. GET IT. https://getitcorp.io/articles/parking-technology-and-sustainability-impact/

5. KonSULT. (2016). Parking Guidance Systems. University of Leeds. http://www.konsult.leeds.ac.uk/pg/40/