Parking sensor technology

Journalist’s background: Media enquiry regarding parking sensor technology in the City of South Perth.

Please attribute the following quotes to City of South Perth Mayor Sue Doherty.

How does the parking pod technology work?
The parking sensors are an infrared vehicle sensor which are installed on the ground within parking bays. When a vehicle drives over these sensors, the sensor detects when the vehicle arrives and can determine any overstay of the parking restrictions. Essentially, the sensors provide precise arrival and departure times of vehicles. These sensors transmit information wirelessly via an internal antenna which sends data directly to City of South Perth rangers when a vehicle has overstayed the allowed time, prompting them to visit the location to verify vehicles and issue notices as required. 

The City has introduced parking sensors as they provide accurate information which assists with the implementation of parking enforcement and parking surveys. The sensors can also be configured to provide real-time information on the availability of bays either via electronic signage or web-based apps to allow people looking for a parking space to easily locate one. Parking apps have the capacity to assist in reducing traffic congestion and vehicle emissions by minimising the time it takes drivers to locate a free parking space. The City is investigating this option as a further progression of the installation of these sensors. 

When was the technology introduced to Mends St and Angelo St?
The City initially conducted a trial installation of the parking sensors in Mends Street, South Perth and Hobbs Ave, Como in May 2015.  As a result the trial, the City decided to implement further parking sensors and take a staged approached in the implementation of these sensors. Further sensors were installed in August 2016 and in May 2017. 

How many pods were installed on both streets?
The City installed 28 sensors in Mends Street and 57 sensors in Angelo Street. To date, the City has installed approximately 300 sensors.

Are there any other streets where City has introduced the pods?
After the initial trial of Mends Street, South Perth and Hobbs Ave, Como, the City agreed to proceed with installing further sensors, taking a staged approach to the implementation. Sensors were installed in August 2016 at the following locations;

• Charles Street
• Hardy Street
• Lyall Street
• Bowman Street

Further sensors were installed in May 2017 at the following locations;

• Angelo Street
• Anstey Street
• Preston Street
• Ray Street
• Darley Street
• Parker Street

These parking sensors have allowed the City to monitor the movement of vehicles within the bays, to efficiently monitor and enforce the current parking restrictions.

Is the City considering introducing more pods?
Yes, the City has approved the installation of more sensors within the 2017-2018 financial year. 

What streets/areas is the City looking at?
This is yet to be finalised.

Was it a decision of the Council or the administration at the City to introduce the pods and will it be the Council/administration deciding on future pods?
The Council adopted the City’s Parking Strategy in May 2016, this strategy recommends the that the City increase the effective allocation of parking enforcement resources in combination with improved technologies for monitoring compliance such as in-ground sensors. The City’s administration recommended installation of the parking sensors, with Council approval of the budget.

Does the council believe the pods have made the parking rangers more efficient?
Yes, the sensors do make enforcement of parking more efficient by removing the need for rangers to constantly mark tyres to identify parking overstays. Administration costs are reduced as a result of increased compliant parking.  

The sensors form an integral part of the integrated system as they provide real-time overstay information. Live and precise information is gathered from each individual car parking space. 

The patented infrared sensor technology enables the City to manage our facilities efficiently with real-time space data. This valuable data provides parking information about trends which allows the City to better manage the parking and eliminates costs associated with parking surveys.

Has the introduction of the pods seen an increase in parking revenue?
Yes, the introduction of the sensors has resulted in an increase in parking revenue.

Is there anything else to add?
Parking sensors are widely used throughout metropolitan local governments in Australia and internationally. While parking is a source of revenue for the City, parking enforcement is necessary to; increase road safety particularly around areas of high pedestrian usage, reduce congestion, and improve traffic flow. Parking enforcement also assists the City in supporting local businesses and providing access to community facilities.