It can’t be denied that technology has become a dominating feature of every factor of our existence. This is particularly true of the internet, which acts as a global connector that everything in this day and age revolves around. Technology is more accessible than it ever has been before, meaning that more and more industries are looking to implement new technological practices, as well as optimise their existing ones.
Although parking isn’t necessarily considered the most glamorous of industries, the importance of parking facilities can’t be underestimated. In fact, the demand for parking spots has never been higher, and what better way to manage this demand than with the latest car parking technology?
This is especially applicable to any business looking to monetise parking, whereby the latest parking management technology can allow for simple and efficient payment. Here at Countrywide Parking, we’re always looking to optimise our practices and ensure that we have the best and latest technology in place. Read on to discover more about how technology is changing car parking.
ANPR
One of the latest car parking technologies on the market is ANPR or Automatic Number Plate Recognition. As of recent, the use of ANPR has skyrocketed to become the most popular form of car park management, due to its combined effectiveness and convenience. Essentially, ANPR systems act as virtual wardens that monitor car parks 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
An ANPR system works by capturing a photo of any vehicle that enters the car park, recording the vehicle registration and the time of entry as it does so. Following this, the camera will start to time the length of time that the vehicle remains in the car park or monitor the back-office system for an active whitelist session. If the vehicle overstays or a whitelist can’t be found, this will result in the issuing of a PCN. In the instance that a breach is made, a PCN will be processed, wherein the driver’s information will be requested from the DVLA for the PCN to be sent via the post.
Cashless Payments
In a world of debit cards and phone payments, it’s becoming a rarity for individuals to carry cash on their person at all times. As a result, car park technology had to adapt to suit the needs of the modern-day driver. There would be nothing more inconvenient than slotting yourself nicely into a car parking space, only to find that the payment machine requires a handful of coins. This is why most car parks are now equipped with cashless payment technology.
With Countrywide Parking, you can pay by phone using the JustPark app, which places the means of payment at the driver’s fingertips. A location ID can be found on the car park signage, which the driver can type into the app to locate their vehicle. Following this, the motorist can enter their vehicle registration number and pay for their parking using their debit or credit card. Similarly, this makes it easy to extend one’s stay should unforeseen circumstances arise.
Benefits for Businesses
Parking can be make or break for a business, and if your premises are known for inconvenient parking, it will deter customers from visiting your site. The latest car park technology allows you to optimise your parking and seamlessly manage the flow of vehicles that enter your site.
Previously, businesses were required to hire an individual to monitor the parking, meaning they had to shell out for a salary. Therefore, parking technology acts as an incredible cost-saving measure, whilst also being incredibly accurate and completely unbiased. Not only this, but it allows companies to monetise every spot, as there are technologies available to indicate free spots to drivers.
Benefits for Customers
As previously mentioned, parking technology allows for optimised parking, as customers are able to pay with ease. It was only a few years ago that motorists were required to rummage around in their cars, pockets, and bags to find coins for parking. This made the entire process long-winded and inconvenient, which would leave a sour taste in the customer’s mouth regarding the business. These days, cashless payments mean that drivers only need to reach for their smartphone and can even book their parking in advance to avoid disappointment. Furthermore, apps that indicate the whereabouts of available spaces mean that motorists don’t need to waste time hunting for a parking spot.
Introduce Technology to Your Car Park with Countrywide Parking
The last thing you want is to lose customers to is inconvenient and outdated parking. ANPR and cashless payments are the way forward for modern drivers. Get in touch with Countrywide Parking to optimise your car park. We promise to make life a lot easier for your business and customers alike. We look forward to hearing from you.
Previous
Car Park Management By The Professionals
Next