Improvements in Traffic Management
As parking revenue control systems become more sophisticated, facility information can interface security operators both in real time and in summarised format. This kind of communication is an asset to traffic management as well as to security. For example, as payment processing is accelerated, vehicles flow more rapidly from parking facilities into the streets affecting traffic organization and street absorption during peak periods. The technology gives car park operators access to information about exit trends and traffic flow, enabling them to better manage traffic. This capability is an asset in communities with sports venues, theatres, concert halls and other facilities in which high-volume traffic surges as events conclude.
The parking technologies like automatic number plate recognition and wireless sensing devices yield valuable information that can help officials prevent crime and manage traffic. Clearly, parking operations by nature are a repository of valuable information that can assist law enforcement officials in all facets of their jobs.
Unfortunately, rarely are security officials involved in making technology-related decisions when a parking facility or on-street parking is being constructed or renovated, nor are they notified when parking facilities update their technologies – technologies that could have significant security applications. These are missed opportunities for both parking professionals and operators. The local planning and zoning department can serve as the linkage between parking facilities and the security operators.
Advances in technology provide an opportunity for parking and security operators to work cooperatively to benefit the community at large. Resources exist to share data and information that can help operators manage traffic smoothly. By joining forces to take advantage of these new technologies today, security operators and the parking industry will be in the best position to seize the opportunities presented by the technologies of tomorrow.
Wilfred Menezes
CEO, Omnitec Group
Wilfred Menezes, CEO Omnitec Group, manages company operations in several countries in the MENA and Indian region. With over two decades of parking industry experience, Omnitec Group today provides specialised design/built consultancy and system solution services for all types of parking which includes both on-street and off-street applications.