Digitalization is also affecting the topic of parking. In recent years, several innovative concepts for parking space have emerged, which are intended to ensure efficient utilization and a better user experience.

Before a parking space operator decides on a concept, it is important to analyze which aspects are particularly relevant to the respective parking lot and what the goals of such a concept are.

New Parking Space Concepts are Needed

Parking is a real problem, especially in urban areas. The average German driver spends 41 hours a year looking for a parking space. That means 1.9 billion lost hours, in addition to 3.2 billion liters of fuel, which are used for the search for a parking space. Overall, the costs incurred by the search for a parking space amount to 40.4 billion euros annually. Intelligent concepts that solve this problem are therefore in demand among municipal and commercial parking lot operators.

Areas of Application for Parking Space Concepts

Parking space concepts are usually used when a parking area is newly created or restructured:

  • New development areas

Regardless of whether it is residential or commercial real estate: New parking spaces are usually created in a new building. This is where the parking space ordinance comes into play, which stipulates how many parking spaces must be created. But there are also alternative concepts, such as neighborhood garages. In many cases, it can be worthwhile to rely on an innovative parking space concept that uses digital possibilities from the outset.

  • Cities and municipalities

In inner-city locations and other already densely built-up areas, the number of parking spaces according to the parking space ordinance is difficult to implement, which means that high compensation payments have to be made. Parking spaces are often scarce here, so that those looking for parking spaces contribute significantly to traffic congestion. Many cities and municipalities therefore decide to rethink the parking space concept and rely on innovative solutions.

  • Company parking lots

Many companies, especially if they are located outside the city center, provide parking spaces for their employees and customers. However, these are often used inefficiently. This applies in particular to employee parking spaces, which are permanently assigned to certain employees. If they are not on site, for example because they are on vacation, their parking spaces are empty, while other employees may have been on the waiting list for a long time and do not have a parking space at the workplace. In this case, too, an innovative parking space concept can be the solution and lead to efficient utilization of the parking areas.

Examples of Parking Space Concepts

Neumarkt i.d.OPf.

Neumarkt i.d.OPf. has developed a parking space concept for the old town. The reason for the reorganization was an unmanageable number of different parking regulations, which in some cases led to an overload of the existing parking space, although analyses showed that sufficient parking space was available. The new clear management system reserves the street space for residents and short-term parkers, while long-term parkers are directed to peripheral parking lots and parking facilities through appropriate incentives.

Frankfurt a. M.

Frankfurt a. M. has renewed its parking space concepts, among other things, at the following locations:

  • Bolongarostraße: This street is to be calmed and redesigned. In terms of parking space management, the needs of residents and local shops and restaurants should be the focus here. Non-local long-term parkers such as commuters, on the other hand, should park at other locations.
  • Bethanien Hospital: Here, in addition to the parking space, the access to the hospital is to be optimized.

Telefónica

With the support of ParkHere, Telefónica has optimized the utilization of its employee parking spaces. With the help of an app-based booking system, employees can reserve parking spaces as needed. Unused parking spaces can also be booked online at short notice. Automatic license plate recognition makes it easier to enter the parking garage, and then the employees are automatically guided to their free parking space, eliminating the search for a parking space. More information about the implementation can be found in our white paper.

Use Innovations Efficiently

Mobility and especially parking space management offers a variety of innovations. Not all are suitable for every parking situation. Parking space managers should analyze in advance which parking concept is useful for the available parking area and which innovations are worth an investment.

Hardware

Innovative hardware enables a smooth handling of parkers in parking garages and underground garages. In addition, sensors can automatically detect whether and for how long a parking space is occupied. The following innovations in the field of hardware have become established on the market in recent years:

  • Smart access management: Terminals and barriers have become smart today. For example, it is possible to use automatic license plate recognition. This can enable simple and quick access in both resident and employee garages and contribute to a smooth entry and exit.
  • Sensors: Both established companies such as Bosch and various start-ups offer various sensors that automatically detect whether a parking space is occupied. Currently, various technologies are on the market, including floor sensors and radar sensors.

Software

Various software and apps offer the possibility to digitalize parking space management. For example, companies can provide their employees with an app that can be used to book parking spaces. In cities, apps can be used to guide drivers to the nearest free parking space and process payment.

Develop Parking Space Concept Individually

If you, as the operator of a parking area, want to implement an innovative parking space concept, you should – regardless of whether it is a new building or the restructuring of an existing parking area – proceed systematically.

  • What is the goal when introducing parking space management?

What is the current goal of parking space? How high is the utilization of the parking spaces? What problems should be solved?

  • Identify problems

For example, is the utilization of the parking spaces inefficient, for example, if many parking spaces are empty in the company, while at the same time employees do not get a parking space? Or is the situation rather tense because there is not enough parking space for everyone? Are there possibly peak traffic jams during rush hour?

Use of previous systems

Which terminals, sensors, software and other components are currently in use? Are there potentially innovative and smart solutions that are compatible with the current systems? This could mean considerable cost savings compared to a complete new equipment. What has proven to be effective? Which systems can be used together with the new system?

  • Planning new systems

In which areas is a new system necessary? For example, does the reservation system in the company need to be revised?

  • Billing options

Many providers, such as ParkHere, offer practical complete solutions for companies that largely automate billing and thus reduce personnel and time expenditure.

  • Economic viability calculation

The introduction of a new parking space concept always means an investment. Therefore, at the beginning of such a change, a corresponding economic viability calculation should be carried out in order to compare the potential expenses with the possible added value.

Conclusion: Parking Space Concepts Must be Adapted to the Parking Situation

The parking situation in cities or even in company parking lots can change at any time, so that an adaptation of the parking concept becomes necessary. Efficient parking concepts can make a decisive contribution to reducing parking pressure. They are usually very extensive and should therefore be carried out under the guidance of appropriate experts. Anyone who decides to invest in new technologies and innovations should analyze this in detail in advance so that the investment pays off in the long term.

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