Photo: Streetline
Manchester parking app goes live
11 October 2013
by Richard Forster
Manchester City Council has officially launched the UK’s first major trial of parking bay sensor technology, with motorists now able to use the new mobile phone app. The new technology, being tested in the city for six months and funded by the City Council’s contractor NSL, includes electronic sensors placed in 200 parking bays in the Northern Quarter and Chinatown areas.
“We have every faith that Manchester will embrace this amazing technology,” said Mark Hoskin, NSL’s Local Government Director. “We know that many other local authorities will be keeping a close eye on how it’s received. Of course, the technology also ties in with Manchester’s MasterPlan to create a smarter city, and that means ensuring that we’re helping motorists park safely and in the most efficient way possible, cutting down on congestion and carbon emissions. It’s good news for Manchester’s motorists, residents and businesses.”
The system is unique in that it offers a fully integrated system that can be used by motorists, businesses, and the local authority. The local authority can then customise a range of deep-data analytics, which can then determine the most efficient use of resources.
The free Parker app, available for smartphones and tablet devices, can also act as a satellite navigation system directing motorists to the nearest available bay. It is voice-activated so can be used while driving, and is linked to the City Council’s existing pay-by-phone system, providing drivers with an electronic ‘one stop shop’.
“This technology has proved very successful in US cities, where it has been welcomed by both businesses and motorists who say it has made finding parking spaces much easier and reduced the need for people to drive around looking for available bays,” said Councillor Nigel Murphy, Manchester City Council’s executive member for the environment. “I believe motorists coming into Manchester to shop, eat in restaurants or go to the theatre will find it just as useful.”
During the trial an element will be introduced whereby businesses will be able to link-in with the system. This means that customers visiting businesses websites can see which bays are available, whilst giving parking bosses detailed information about what bays are being used when, and for how long.
The Parker app was named 2013 Best Mobile Innovation for ‘Smart Cities’, at the 2013 Global Mobile Awards.
