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Smart parking has been revolutionary in transforming the urban landscape in many countries, due in no small part to its ingenious use of the Internet of Things (IoT). It has redefined the average citizen’s parking experience, removing the many frustrations attached to it. What does the future hold for this powerful combination, and how will mobility evolve?

Enhanced policymaking related to urban mobility

Smart parking is already helping city governments maintain a steady flow of revenue through improved parking management and also combat the ills of congestion and pollution. In the future, smart parking and IoT will make greater strides on this front, allowing improved policy decisions on matters like pollution, pavement parking, traffic, et al.

Improved parking experience for citizens

IoT’s potential to completely transform the citizen’s parking experience is still being realized. Through the use of sensors, cameras, and other smart technology, IoT is allowing motorists to waste less time looking for a spot, paying for it, and exiting the facility. Much energy and fuel are consumed in looking for a vacant space. Smart parking, through sensors and IoT, has allowed drivers to check and book available spots even before stepping out of the house.

Improved law enforcement

Complete mismanagement of traffic and parking spots has led to rising traffic violations in most urban areas today. Smart parking can work in tandem with law enforcement agencies to identify violators – for instance, that parking in ‘No parking’ zones – with ease, instead of having to patrol around the city to do so.

In this case, the use of technology allows information such as the details of the person, vehicle details, place where the violation occurred, etc. to be transferred on a real-time basis to law enforcement agencies. This is a better way to monitor citizens and is more reliable and systematic. This can be essential in providing drivers with safer parking spots as well.

Boon to businesses

Through efficient sensor systems and IoT, smart parking helps facility owners understand the immediate availability of spots and foresee unexpected changes in demand through past trends. With such data, parking businesses can optimize the use and management of their space. In fact, they can increase revenue in this manner. In the future, many businesses will also leverage the dynamic pricing capabilities of smart parking software to optimize both space usage and revenue.

The future of smart parking

In the near future, we’re going to see an increased usage of electric vehicles (EV), which will further give rise to interesting applications of smart parking. Many experts are of the view that with EVs, there will be a change in the infrastructure due to a growing need for charging stations. Parking facilities in the future can collaborate with charging stations and fulfill both needs simultaneously. If parking spaces are equipped with charging facilities, drivers can book spots (for both parking and charging) using real-time availability data.

It is safe to assume that the potential of smart parking and IoT exceeds our imagination. What we’re seeing presently is only the beginning of an upheaval.