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“THESi” Parking Control System: for controlling on-street parking in a smart way
Published on 06 April 2019
Greece
Kentriki Makedonia
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About this good practice
THESi case comprises a multifaceted practice having many innovative aspects related to its parking management concept, technology applied, fine/control method adopted and financial & procurement scheme selected. Such an electronic Parking System is much more than a better parking management frame, or a more effective scheme of revenues’ gathering. It is a main governance tool allowing an integrated and holistic management of urban mobility/traffic, and enabling suitable adjustments based on the continuous dynamic flow of information. Moreover, under certain circumstances, the system could be linked with other apps, acting as a multiplier of innovation development at urban level.
THESi is one of the most innovative, advanced and integrated technological systems in Europe with online functions, user friendly interface and real time information. The system aims to enhance the city’s parking policy and reduce car use in the city center, illegal parking, traffic congestion and its impacts.
Users can “buy” up to 4 hours of parking time through a mobile app or in predefined locations. Police officers are equipped with a portable electronic device scanning vehicles’ license plates or printing on-site fines. The legality can be confirmed in real-time, as the system is online linked to the database of payments.
Residents and visitors of Thessaloniki are the main beneficiaries. Local municipal authorities are responsible for the evaluation of the implementation.
THESi is one of the most innovative, advanced and integrated technological systems in Europe with online functions, user friendly interface and real time information. The system aims to enhance the city’s parking policy and reduce car use in the city center, illegal parking, traffic congestion and its impacts.
Users can “buy” up to 4 hours of parking time through a mobile app or in predefined locations. Police officers are equipped with a portable electronic device scanning vehicles’ license plates or printing on-site fines. The legality can be confirmed in real-time, as the system is online linked to the database of payments.
Residents and visitors of Thessaloniki are the main beneficiaries. Local municipal authorities are responsible for the evaluation of the implementation.
Resources needed
The Municipality adopted an innovative procurement scheme ensuring funding of the parking system, without reserving any public resources. It ran a bid to entrust the development and operation of the system, which was funded by the actual revenues derived from its market exploitation.
Evidence of success
In a 6-month period (January 2018-June 2018), the following indicative results were measured:
- increase of 689% in parking counts (-->frequent parking switch, more free spaces)
- increase of 231% in registered users of the parking control system (app)
- increase of 61% in parking payments through the smartphone application
- total revenues (until 28/05/2018): 1,400,000€
- more than 6.000 vehicle checks are conducted on a daily basis
- approximately 8.000 fines have been issued
- increase of 689% in parking counts (-->frequent parking switch, more free spaces)
- increase of 231% in registered users of the parking control system (app)
- increase of 61% in parking payments through the smartphone application
- total revenues (until 28/05/2018): 1,400,000€
- more than 6.000 vehicle checks are conducted on a daily basis
- approximately 8.000 fines have been issued
Potential for learning or transfer
Modern urban environments are dominated by motorized vehicles and high levels of congestion, especially during rush hour. Drivers searching for a parking spot contribute heavily to the congestion and carbon emissions. A controlled parking policy can reduce the impact of these issues as it can discourage car use managing its reduction and it can result in freeing up spaces frequently through constant parking switches. Therefore, THESi is a paperless practice that can facilitate the process of finding a parking space and, at the same time, produce income revenue for the city with relatively little financial costs for its implementation. Other European regions and cities that face challenges and problems, such as limited financial resources, low air quality and high congestion levels in their city centers, can proceed to the development of similar models in order to manage traffic through innovative and sustainable solutions. This good practice is a low-cost solution with great potential.
Further information
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Good practice owner
You can contact the good practice owner below for more detailed information.
Organisation
Municipality of Thessaloniki
Greece
Kentriki Makedonia
Contact
Research Associate