{"id":4237,"date":"2023-11-05T23:53:06","date_gmt":"2023-11-05T22:53:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cocoparks.io\/guides\/smart-parking-the-key-to-urban-mobility\/"},"modified":"2026-01-03T01:57:18","modified_gmt":"2026-01-03T00:57:18","slug":"smart-parking-the-key-to-urban-mobility","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/cocoparks.io\/en-us\/guides\/smart-parking-the-key-to-urban-mobility\/","title":{"rendered":"Smart parking, the key to urban mobility"},"content":{"rendered":"The smart parking lot is a key element in taking urban mobility to a new level. But what exactly are we talking about? While managing journeys from point A to point B has been largely optimized over the last decade, finding a parking option remains a major issue and a leading cause of urban pollution. How can smart parking solve this problem?\n\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"jetDynamicVisibility\":{},\"jetEngineDynamicData\":{}} -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is smart parking?<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\nLike many innovation-related terms, smart parking is a trendy one, and is therefore used to refer to many different subjects.\n\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":1001,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1001\" src=\"https:\/\/cocoparks.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/matt-alaniz-9b-VhDQxXQ4-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"roads\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"jetDynamicVisibility\":{},\"jetEngineDynamicData\":{}} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Parking: a complex ecosystem<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\nTwo distinct areas interact strongly within the parking ecosystem:\n\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list -->\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul><!-- wp:list-item -->\n \t<li>underground parking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n \t<li>on-street parking, i.e. surface parking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\nFor each type of mobility, it is necessary to organize capacity, pricing, services: conventional cars, electric cars, mobility for people with reduced mobility. It is also essential to focus on each type of customer: hourly customers (visitors), residents, season ticket holders, corporate customers&#8230;\n\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":1002,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1002\" src=\"https:\/\/cocoparks.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/egor-myznik-rCZQCbUAQvg-unsplash-1024x685.jpg\" alt=\"parking\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"jetDynamicVisibility\":{},\"jetEngineDynamicData\":{}} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Key issues in urban parking<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\nUrban parking is one of the most important political issues of our decade. At the heart of urban mobility, it has a major impact on the carbon footprint of cities, the dynamism of city centers and their merchants, and the general well-being of the city. The transformation of the car&#8217;s place in the city also requires a major rethink of urban parking, as for instance in <a href=\"https:\/\/www.thecity.nyc\/2024\/11\/19\/parking-mandates-planning-city-yes\/\">New York<\/a>. Since the covid-19 crisis, some cities have decided to accelerate the transformation of parking, leading sometimes to drastic decisions.\n\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"jetDynamicVisibility\":{},\"jetEngineDynamicData\":{}} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Three uses of the term &#8220;smart parking&#8221;<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\nUsed on three levels, the smart parking system combines..:\n\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list -->\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul><!-- wp:list-item -->\n \t<li>technological innovation in a dedicated underground parking lot:\nto open it or to be guided to a seat<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n \t<li>improving the parking experience:\nvia improvements at certain points in the motorist&#8217;s journey<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n \t<li>improving overall parking efficiency:\nwith a global vision of the urban parking system<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:heading {\"jetDynamicVisibility\":{},\"jetEngineDynamicData\":{}} -->\n<h3>Confusions about smart parking<\/h3>\n<p class=\"mt-5 pt-5 fs-5 d-none d-md-block\">Smart parking should not be confused with:<\/p>\n\n<ul>\n \t<li class=\"mt-3 fs-5 d-none d-md-block\">\n<h4 class=\"fs-5 mt-3 pt-sm-3 text\">Park Assist systems<\/h4>\nParking assistance functions developed by major automakers such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nissanusa.com\/experience-nissan\/news-and-events\/park-assist-and-self-parking-cars.html\">Nissan<\/a>. Also, <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Intelligent_Parking_Assist_System\" target=\"blank\" rel=\"noopener\">IPAS,<\/a> which stands for Intelligent Parking Assist System, is another example of a system developed by Toyota.<\/li>\n \t<li class=\"mt-3 fs-5 d-none d-md-block\">\n<h4 class=\"fs-5 mt-3 pt-sm-3 text\">Underground parking lot equipped with automatic machines and ANPRs<\/h4>\nTechnologies to make underground parking lots more automated, such as automatic barriers and <a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Automatic_number-plate_recognition\">license plate recognition systems.<\/a><\/li>\n \t<li class=\"mt-3 fs-5 d-none d-md-block\">\n<h4 class=\"fs-5 mt-3 pt-sm-3 text\">Mobile parking payment<\/h4>\nMobile applications for on-street parking payment, such as PayByPhone.<\/li>\n \t<li class=\"mt-3 fs-5 d-none d-md-block\">\n<h4 class=\"fs-5 mt-3 pt-sm-3 text\">Automated parking control systems<\/h4>\nCars equipped with cameras, also known as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.allwan.eu\/en\/44-lapi-anpr\">LAPI<\/a>, to automatically monitor parking times and relay information to the authorities or operators in charge of enforcement. This is the case for players such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bloomberg.com\/profile\/company\/2423096D:FP\" target=\"blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Streeteo<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/indigoneo.ca\/en\">Indigo<\/a> and Moovia.<\/li>\n \t<li class=\"mt-3 fs-5 d-none d-md-block\">\n<h4 class=\"fs-5 mt-3 pt-sm-3 text\">Minute stop terminals<\/h4>\nThe stop-markers raise awareness of parking times and the need to increase vehicle rotation. For example, <a href=\"https:\/\/tagmaster.com\/\">Tagmaster<\/a> deploys kiosks that display the parking time of a vehicle in the city center.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Level 1: Upgrading a multi-storey parking structure with smart technologies<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":1020,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1020\" src=\"https:\/\/cocoparks.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/9aa52e372cc1a6e654c706d0e682a404.jpg\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\nEasy access to a private parking lot via a box or smartphone &#8211; that&#8217;s the innovation on which the players in this field are relying. Thanks to them, parking capacity increases, thus reducing the strain on parking facilities.\n\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\nThis is the case for operators such as:\n\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list -->\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul><!-- wp:list-item -->\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/pitchbook.com\/profiles\/company\/56952-91\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Zenpark<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.onepark.co\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Onepark<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/support.yespark.com\/hc\/en-us\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Yespark<\/a>, for monthly parking<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\nIn addition to enhance the parking facility, parking lot also becomes smart when the motorist is taken completely in hand until a parking space is found, thanks to red and green lights located above parking spaces.\n\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"jetDynamicVisibility\":{},\"jetEngineDynamicData\":{}} -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Level 2: Improve part of the parking experience<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"jetDynamicVisibility\":{},\"jetEngineDynamicData\":{}} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Booking a parking space<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":1005,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1005\" src=\"https:\/\/cocoparks.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/dimitri-karastelev-hQl8ccpd2Xc-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"smartphone\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\nThese websites or mobile apps allow you to reserve your parking space in advance, sometimes at very attractive prices. These include classic parking lot operators such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.lazparking.com\/\">Laz Parking<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/impark.com\/\">Impark (now REEF Parking)<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.spplus.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">SP+, <\/a>mobile reservation apps like <a href=\"https:\/\/spothero.com\/\">SpotHero,<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.parkwhiz.com\/\">ParkWhiz<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/parkmobile.io\/\">ParkMobile<\/a> and companies operating specific pre-bookable spaces like the one mentioned in the previous paragraph.\n\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3,\"jetDynamicVisibility\":{},\"jetEngineDynamicData\":{}} -->\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">On-street parking payment applications<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:image {\"id\":1003,\"sizeSlug\":\"large\"} -->\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-1003\" src=\"https:\/\/cocoparks.io\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/05\/hafidh-satyanto-lipPKzctyuQ-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"time\/date stamp\" \/><\/figure>\n<!-- \/wp:image --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\nNo more parking meters! Payment apps for on-street parking abound, and have won over many cities.\n\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\nIn the USA, the main payment applications are as follows:\n\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list -->\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul><!-- wp:list-item -->\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.paybyphone.fr\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">PayByPhone<\/a>, which belonged to the Volkswagen group and has now been sold to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.corpay.com\/corporate-newsroom\/16996\/fleetcor-acquires-paybyphone-a-global-digital-parking-company\">Fleetcor<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.passportparking.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Passport Parking<\/a> used in more than 800 cities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/flowbirdapp.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Flowbird<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n \t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/parkmobile.io\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ParkMobile<\/a>, part of Easypark Group.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:heading {\"jetDynamicVisibility\":{},\"jetEngineDynamicData\":{}} -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Level 3: Smart parking through improvements to the overall mobility system<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\nThe third aspect aims to improve parking by addressing and enhancing the system as a whole: this is the vision of smart parking promoted by the <a href=\"https:\/\/cocoparks.io\/en-us\">Cocoparks<\/a> company in particular.\n\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\nIn this vision, the entire parking system is considered:\n\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:list -->\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul><!-- wp:list-item -->\n \t<li>visibility of a city&#8217;s entire parking offer, thanks to a mobile application and dynamic signage<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n \t<li>parking management by city parking managers, thanks to a parking management solution<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:list-item --><!-- wp:list-item -->\n<ul>\n \t<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n \t<li>finally, the creation of real-time information on a large scale, thanks to smart detection systems<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<!-- \/wp:buttons --><!-- wp:heading {\"jetDynamicVisibility\":{},\"jetEngineDynamicData\":{}} -->\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What impact does smart parking have on the environment?<\/h2>\nParking accounts for 30% of urban pollution. Reducing the time it takes to find a parking space therefore has a major impact on the pollution generated by parking-related flows. This concerns not only the flow of cars, but also logistics flows and the many vans that deliver to the city. We believe that a well-designed smart parking project can have a major impact on the carbon footprint: with the potential to reduce the impact of parking on pollution by 1\/3. This means that 10% of urban pollution is at stake.\n\nIn this respect, the <a href=\"https:\/\/solarimpulse.com\/solutions-explorer\/cocoparks\">Cocoparks solution has been recognized by the Solar Impulse Foundation<\/a> as a particularly effective solution for combating global warming.\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Some examples of smart parking projects<\/h2>\n<h3>Some examples of innovative smart parking projects<\/h3>\n<ul>\n \t<li>Saint-Denis de la R\u00e9union has set up a project to revitalize the city center, using Cocoparks&#8217; smart parking management solution. A testimonial is available <a href=\"https:\/\/cocoparks.io\/en-us\/clients\/saint-denis-de-la-reunion-improves-the-dynamism-of-the-heart-of-the-shopping-city-with-the-360-smart-car-park\/\">here<\/a>.<\/li>\n \t<li>The town of Sens has deployed a smart parking system in the heart of the town to improve the daily lives of the people of Sens. A testimonial is available <a href=\"https:\/\/cocoparks.io\/en-us\/clients\/revitalising-the-heart-of-the-city-of-sens-for-80000-people-in-icaun\/\">here<\/a>.<\/li>\n \t<li>The Metropole of Bordeaux, France allows you to view the availability of parking lots in real time on an open data portal.<\/li>\n \t<li>The city of Li\u00e8ge in Belgium is releasing an interactive real-time map of parking availability.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>The right people for your smart parking project<\/h3>\nFor a successful smart parking project, it is important to choose the right partner and the right technology. Some integrators, such as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.crunchbase.com\/organization\/citeos\">Citeos<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eiffage.com\/en\">Eiffage <\/a>and <a href=\"https:\/\/spie.org\/\">Spie<\/a> offer projects and work with technology companies like Cocoparks.\nOverly cumbersome technologies, involving the installation of ground sensors, have been tested and have unfortunately sometimes tarnished the image of smart parking due to their lack of reliability.\n\nLightweight, non-invasive technologies are now available for efficient, viable smart parking projects.\n<h4 id=\"markdown-section-c02051e9-5975-4d06-83bd-bbb91367c460-0\" class=\"markdown-section chat-fade-in\" data-markdown-raw=\"**Additional resources and advisory support for smart parking projects**\" data-section-index=\"0\"><span class=\"markdown-bold-text\">Additional resources and advisory support\u00a0for smart parking projects<\/span><\/h4>\n<section id=\"markdown-section-c02051e9-5975-4d06-83bd-bbb91367c460-2\" class=\"markdown-section chat-fade-in\" data-markdown-raw=\"\nBeyond technology selection, the success of a smart parking project relies on a clear strategic vision. Find additional resources and expert contacts on parking management and curb management on [The Curb Institute](https:\/\/curbinstitute.org) website, which offers a glossary, an academic research library, and practical guides on these topics.\" data-section-index=\"2\">Beyond technology\u00a0selection, the\u00a0success of a smart parking project relies\u00a0on a clear strategic vision. Find additional resources and expert\u00a0contacts on parking management and curb management on\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/curbinstitute.org\/en-us\"><span class=\"markdown-link\" data-link=\"https:\/\/curbinstitute.org\">The Curb Institute<\/span><\/a>\u00a0website, which offers\u00a0a glossary, an\u00a0academic research library, and practical guides on\u00a0these topics.<\/section>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Find out more about Cocoparks&#8217; smart parking offer<\/h2>\n<!-- \/wp:heading --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- \/wp:list-item -->\n\n<!-- \/wp:list --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\nDiscover Cocoparks&#8217; smart city and sustainable city offer by clicking on the link below:\n\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:buttons -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons\"><!-- wp:button {\"className\":\"bouton-app-blog\"} -->\n<div class=\"wp-block-button bouton-app-blog\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/cocoparks.io\/en-us\">Sustainable city and smart parking solutions<\/a><\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<!-- \/wp:embed --><!-- wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph --><!-- wp:paragraph -->","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"template":"","tag-guides":[159,167,183,184,170,162,147,161,178,182],"categories-nos-guides":[180,179,181,204],"class_list":["post-4237","resources","type-resources","status-publish","hentry","tag-guides-airports","tag-guides-big-cities","tag-guides-charging-stations","tag-guides-featured-guides-en-us","tag-guides-healthcare-facility","tag-guides-school-university-campuses","tag-guides-shopping-centers","tag-guides-small-and-medium-sized-cities","tag-guides-tourist-attractions","tag-guides-urban-logistics","categories-nos-guides-last-km-and-parking-management-guide","categories-nos-guides-smart-city-guide","categories-nos-guides-smart-mobility-guide","categories-nos-guides-urban-logistics-guide"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cocoparks.io\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resources\/4237"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cocoparks.io\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resources"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cocoparks.io\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/resources"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cocoparks.io\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4237"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"tag-guides","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cocoparks.io\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tag-guides?post=4237"},{"taxonomy":"categories-nos-guides","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cocoparks.io\/en-us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories-nos-guides?post=4237"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}