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Loading…With lots of competition in parking, standing out to attract and keep customers is crucial for making good profits. New technologies, like ticketless systems, offer innovative ways to do this. But how does ticketless parking work? Dive into our article to find out.
What is Ticketless Parking?
Ticketless parking makes parking lots simpler by removing the need for visitors to grab a ticket when they enter the parking lot or garage. This is all made possible thanks to License Plate Recognition (LPR Technology) and LPR Cameras. With ticketless parking, you don’t have to worry about keeping track of a physical ticket; instead, your license plate acts as your virtual ticket throughout your parking duration. And when it’s time to leave, you can exit the parking area smoothly without needing a paper ticket.
How Does it Work?
No paper
When a visitor arrives at the parking facility, they approach the security barrier. There’s no need to roll down the window and grab a ticket. Instead, a camera, known as LPR Cameras, positioned in front of the vehicle, reads the license plate and temporarily records the data on a server along with the arrival time.
No trigger
The beauty of this system lies in its lack of physical triggers. The camera automatically detects the vehicle positioned in front of the barrier and proceeds to process the information without any manual intervention.
LPR Cameras to detect vehicles
The camera used in this process is a License Plate Recognition Camera, specifically designed to read and detect license plates. With its high precision capabilities, it can accurately capture the plate of a moving vehicle, ensuring seamless operation of the ticketless parking system.
Digital signage
Integrating digital parking signs into ticketless parking systems enhances the visitor experience by providing dynamic displays of vehicle license plates. This feature serves to reassure visitors by welcoming them and personalizing their experience. For instance, pre-registering license plates enables the system to display tailored messages to individual visitors upon their arrival. This not only adds a personalized touch but also helps visitors feel valued and attended to from the moment they enter the parking facility.
How to Pay in Ticketless Parking?
The ticketless system can be set up at both the entrance and exit points of the parking facility. A payment kiosk is placed within the parking garage area, and users need to proceed to the kiosk to settle the outstanding balance for their parking session. Additionally, in some setups, an LPR camera is positioned at the exit of the parking lot. The balance due is automatically displayed on the payment kiosk at the exit, eliminating the need for visitors to insert a ticket. It’s worth noting that online payment options may also be available, allowing patrons to pay conveniently without having to visit the payment kiosks.
How are Parking Rates Calculated?
Using LPR Cameras, parking rates are calculated from the moment a vehicle enters the parking facility until it exits. The camera detects the entry time of the vehicle and records when it arrives at the payment kiosk to settle the parking fee. This automated process ensures that parking charges are adjusted accurately based on the duration of the vehicle’s stay in the parking lot.
Does the System Adapt to All Types of Vehicles?
Currently, the LPR Cameras are not equipped to differentiate between types of vehicles as they approach the entry barriers (cars, motorcycles…). However, this capability is an exciting future development that could soon be integrated into parking systems in the coming years!
Ticketless System : Are the Data Stored?
Yes, the license plate data is temporarily stored within the system to facilitate the calculation of parking fees. When a vehicle enters the parking facility, the LPR Cameras capture and record the license plate information along with the entry time. This data is then utilized by the parking management software to determine the duration of the vehicle’s stay and calculate the corresponding fees accurately.
However, it’s essential to emphasize that the stored data is strictly temporary and is used solely for operational purposes within the parking system. Once the parking session is complete and the fees are paid, the data is typically purged from the system to maintain privacy and data security.
Furthermore, it’s noteworthy that the cameras utilized in the ticketless parking system are designed to operate independently and are not connected to the internet. This intentional isolation helps to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access or potential cyber threats. By keeping the cameras offline, the system minimizes the chances of data breaches or surveillance, ensuring the privacy and security of the parking patrons’ information.
Advantages of Ticketless Parking
Fluidity of traffic
Ticketless parking provides an efficient solution to enhance traffic flow around parking space areas. By eliminating the need for drivers to stop at the entrance to retrieve a ticket, this system significantly reduces wait times and traffic congestion. Automatic barriers allow vehicles to pass through swiftly, thereby minimizing slowdowns and queues. This increased fluidity contributes to smoother traffic flow in urban areas, resulting in quicker and more efficient travel for drivers.
Reduction of environmental costs
The transition to ticketless parking also offers significant benefits in terms of reducing environmental costs. By eliminating the use of paper tickets and streamlining payment processes, parking operators can reduce their paper consumption, thereby contributing to the conservation of natural resources. Furthermore, by reducing congestion around parking areas, ticketless parking systems help decrease carbon emissions associated with vehicle traffic. This reduction in environmental footprint aligns with sustainable development goals and the preservation of the urban environment.
Enhancement of user experience
One of the primary benefits of ticketless parking lies in the enhancement of the user experience. By offering faster and smoother entry and exit processes, this system allows drivers to save time and avoid frustrations associated with queues and delays. Moreover, online payment options and the ability to prepay for parking in advance provide users with greater flexibility, catering to diverse needs. Additionally, for individuals with handicap, the seamless flow of ticketless parking systems can significantly improve accessibility and convenience, ensuring a more inclusive parking experience for all patrons.
