The Future of Parking: How Technology is Shaping the Industry in 2024/25

Parking has come a long way since the days when drivers had to remember to keep plenty of spare coins in their cars, and hope that the next car park they visited dispensed change. 

The parking industry is transforming, driven by technological advancements that enhance convenience, efficiency and sustainability for operators and consumers. Innovations such as app-based payment systems, digital parking permits, artificial intelligence (AI) for space management and dynamic pricing are at the forefront of this evolution. 

App-based payment systems

Traditional coin-operated meters are being replaced by app-based payment platforms that offer drivers a seamless and cashless experience. Applications like RingGo, PayByPhone and JustPark enable users to locate, reserve and pay for parking spaces directly from their smartphones. This shift enhances user convenience while also streamlining operations for parking providers.  

Digital parking permits

Digital parking permits simplify the process of issuing and managing permits for landowners and local authorities. These systems can provide temporary, dynamic or permanent permits, with the flexibility to cater for a variety of user groups from residents to employees and visitors. Digital permits reduce the administrative burden for local authorities and landowners while enhancing compliance and reducing breaches, creating more efficient parking management.

Artificial intelligence in space management

AI is revolutionising how we manage parking spaces, analysing massive amounts of data to predict the availability of parking and optimise how we use space. Machine learning algorithms can process information from multiple sources - such as traffic patterns and historical occupancy rates - to provide real-time insights for modern smart cities. These insights help town planners and local authorities to manage and streamline the flow of traffic into and out of car parks – for example, by adjusting the timing of traffic signals based on the availability of parking spaces in nearby areas to reduce congestion. 

Dynamic pricing

Dynamic pricing models adjust parking fees based on demand, location and time. This approach can increase revenue for operators, but while it can offer cost-effective options for drivers, it has also faced criticism. During a trial of AI-generated pricing, Edinburgh Airport was criticised by many drivers over discrepancies in parking fees, with substantially different prices offered for identical parking periods. 

Sustainability initiatives

Technological advancements are also promoting sustainability in the parking industry. The increasingly widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) means that parking facilities can broaden their appeal, for example by integrating EV charging stations with parking. Companies like Parkopedia have launched 'Park and Charge' services, unifying the public charging infrastructure and enabling in-vehicle EV charger activation and payments. 

Additionally, solar carports - the installation of solar panels over parking areas - is gaining traction in Europe, providing renewable energy for EV chargers and contributing to sustainable mobility. 

Intelli-Park's role in the evolving landscape

At Intelli-Park, we are dedicated to understanding how cutting-edge technology can enhance our services, and to implementing those changes when we know they provide a useful, positive and fair solution for everyone. Our offerings include app-based payment systems, digital permit management through our iPermit platform and AI-based parking optimisation through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology. These tools are designed to meet the unique needs of our clients, ensuring efficient and user-friendly parking experiences. 

In line with our commitment to sustainability, we support the installation of EV charging infrastructure, and by partnering with EV experts, we’re able to provide reliable and fast charging solutions, contributing to a greener future and accommodating the growing demand for convenient EV charging facilities. Through these initiatives, we aim to deliver comprehensive, innovative and eco-friendly parking management services that align with the evolving needs of people and the environment.

Conclusion

The convergence of technology and parking management is reshaping the industry, offering innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of operators and consumers. By embracing these advancements we can create a more efficient, convenient and sustainable parking ecosystem.

If you're interested in exploring how these technologies can benefit your parking facilities, contact Intelli-Park today at sales@intelli-park.com. Our team is ready to help you navigate the future of parking.