Contactless parking solutions are an innovative new technology that looks to make it easier to find and pay for parking. Initially adopted in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic to minimise human-to-human contact, this technology has proved to be so successful that it’s being implemented across the UK. This shift towards contactless has offered car park management and users a wealth of benefits, from a safer way to park to enhanced accessibility. So, in this article, we’ll go over the benefits of contactless parking solutions to help you understand their utility.
In a post-pandemic world, the public’s awareness of health and safety has heightened. Contactless parking technology does a fantastic job of reducing physical contact and touchpoints, essential in minimising the risk of virus transmission. Traditional parking systems often require users to interact with payment machines and tickets, creating multiple touchpoints. Contactless solutions eliminate these, enabling drivers to manage parking through mobile apps or automated number plate recognition systems. This helps in maintaining a safer environment and also enhances the public’s perception of safety, making them more likely to use these facilities without apprehension.
Contactless parking solutions redefine the ease of parking with their user-friendly interfaces and automated systems. Customers can enter and exit parking areas more swiftly, without the hassle of dealing with cash or waiting in line to pay. This reduces queues and congestion, particularly during peak hours, contributing to a smoother flow of traffic. Furthermore, these systems integrate seamlessly with other smart city initiatives, such as real-time traffic management and environmental monitoring, enhancing overall urban efficiency and sustainability.
Integration with smart technologies also allows for dynamic pricing and better management of parking resources, ensuring that spaces are used as efficiently as possible. This benefits users by reducing time spent searching for parking and helps cities manage their spaces more effectively.
By attracting more customers with the promise of an easy and fast parking experience, contactless systems can increase usage rates and, subsequently, revenue. Reduced physical infrastructure and automated operations lower maintenance and personnel costs, further boosting profitability.
One of the other benefits of contactless parking is that it helps local businesses by drawing in more visitors to high-street shops, restaurants, and other commercial establishments. This increased foot traffic can be a huge boon for the economic vitality of urban centres, especially in areas competing with online retailers and suburban shopping centres.
At Bransby Wilson, we have helped our clients reap the benefits of contactless parking management systems through our tailored parking solutions. One example, the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, was struggling to draw in revenue from their rural, high-traffic parking spaces. We installed solar-powered Flowbird contactless payment terminals to the site, ensuring ease of use and reliable terminals for visitors. This created a surge of revenue for the site, with the added benefit of being able to understand visitor patterns and behaviour.
The advantages of contactless parking solutions are clear and multifaceted. They provide a safer, more efficient, and user-friendly parking experience, essential in today’s health-conscious society. Economically, they offer significant benefits through increased efficiency and lower operational costs. The positive impact on local businesses and the overall urban environment further justifies the investment in these modern systems. Bransby Wilson is at the forefront of this transition, ready to help reimagine how we think about and manage parking in urban landscapes. So, if you are a facility manager looking to unlock contactless solutions, let our team at Bransby Wilson help you.