Media release Andrew Barr, Chief Minister
Smart parking another step in better transport for Canberra
It will be easier for Canberrans to find a parking spot with work to install smart parking technology in Manuka starting next week.
Smart Parking Ltd (SPL) has been chosen to deliver the ACT Government’s smart parking trial in Manuka and will start construction work on Monday 9 November.
The smart parking trial is an example of the ACT Government’s commitment to better transport in Canberra. In the last few weeks we have welcomed ridesharing to the capital and announced the creation of Transport Canberra, a single agency responsible for the integration of buses with the new light rail network. These initiatives, along with Manuka’s Smart Parking trial, will help manage Canberra’s growth by reducing congestion and ensuring Canberra remains the world’s most liveable city.
This latest transport improvement measure will help address parking issues in major town centres such as Manuka. Smart Parking will offer advantages to Manuka’s retailers and businesses as improved turnover of parking spaces will give shoppers greater access in a more convenient and efficient manner.
The Manuka smart parking trial will use innovative technology to save drivers time, reduce traffic delays and provide a better overall user experience. Drivers will be able to use the smart phone app and four intelligent traffic signs to be guided to an available parking space, while real time information on parking availability will be captured through 460 in-ground sensors.
A new parking app, which will be specifically designed for the Manuka Smart Parking trial, will help commuters plan their trip by receiving information on parking availability before they leave. The app can also be used in transit to Manuka by using your smart phone in a legal hands-free operation or by a passenger.
Real time information from the sensors will be transmitted through Canberra’s free Wi-Fi service CBRfree to the electronic boards and the app.
Smart Parking’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Paul Gillespie expressed his delight at securing the ACT Government contract.
“We are thrilled to have been chosen by the ACT Government to deploy our technology in Canberra, Australia’s capital city. Our tried and tested SmartPark solution will play a key role in helping its roads and parking spaces operate more efficiently delivering real benefits for both drivers and local business,” Mr Gillespie said.
“We are confident that residents, businesses and visitors to Canberra will embrace this new innovative technology and see their driving and parking experience transformed for the better,” Mr Gillespie concluded.
Smart Parking Ltd, the successful vendors of the ACT Government’s request for proposal, are market leaders in smart parking technology with 70 per cent of the smart parking market globally. They have undertaken parking projects in Claremont, Western Australia, in the United Kingdom City of Westminster and the New Zealand cities of Auckland, New Plymouth and Taupo.
The service will be available in the first quarter of 2016. Further updates on the Smart Parking trial will be made available at: http://www.cmd.act.gov.au/
Statement Ends
05 November 2015
Media contacts: Mark Paviour ph. (02) 6205 2775 mob. 0466 521 634 mark.paviour@act.gov.au