Losing a parking ticket can be frustrating since you end up wasting time resolving the issue. In the worst-case scenario, you could be charged the maximum daily parking fee for a 30-minutes stay. Fortunately, the emergence of ticketless parking systems addresses multiple issues in a car park. Customers do not need a ticket or loose change to access parking, which makes their experience seamless.
Parking technology has been advancing from coin-metered systems to cashless parking, and the latest trend is ticketless systems. This technology is gaining traction in off-street parking and multi-storey parking lots. However, it can also work in any car park with recognisable exits and entrances.
Read on to find out how ticketless parking systems work and the benefits to the operator and customers.
What Is Ticketless Parking?
The ticketless system is an innovative parking solution that eradicates the use of paper tickets. Instead, digital modules are used to allow access and payment. Using identifiers such as licence plate recognition and radio frequency identification, the parking operator can control traffic in and out of the car park. The digital identifiers capture data from the approaching vehicles and open the parking lot. During exit, the parking management system determines the length of stay before assigning a parking fee.
Motorists do not need to present a ticket or stop at the entry since the gate opens automatically. Customers with an online parking account can make the payment through their smartphones. Alternatively, the car park has a payment terminal for contactless transactions. If you open an account and add your debit or credit card, the system will deduct the parking fees automatically at the exit. The innovative parking solution improves convenience by regulating traffic flow. Besides, customers do not have to calculate the parking fee. It will be automatically updated to their online account.
Ticketless systems are suitable for both council-owned and private parking facilities. Whether you run a multi-storey car park or off-street and on-street parking, the software can enhance convenience.
What Digital Modules Does Ticketless System Need?
For your ticketless system to be frictionless, it requires digital access modules that control traffic in and out of the parking lot. The two significant digital modules for seamless operation include:
ANPR Cameras
Ticketless parking uses ANPR cameras to identify licence plate numbers for vehicles. For existing customers, the ANPR camera automatically recognises their LPNs before allowing access. Since the LPNs are registered, or the customer has booked for a spot online, the car park gate opens immediately. For new customers, the camera captures their LPNs and opens individual accounts before they enter the parking lot. With instant data capturing, customers have an easy time during exit since they can use the account to pay for parking fees without wasting time.
Mobile Parking App
Most ticketless systems have a mobile parking app to boost convenience for the parking lot users. With a few clicks, customers can book a parking space or pay in advance using a unique mobile app. The apps also act as remote controllers at the entrance; they can open the barrier and generate a digital ticket. At the exit, you can use the mobile app to pay the parking fee.
Why You Should Consider Ticketless Parking Systems
A ticketless system is an advanced technology that provides a simple solution to parking. Apart from resolving issues of lost tickets, the system offers numerous benefits for both the customer and the car park owner.
Advantages to the Customer
Improved Customer Experience and Convenience
With the licence plate recognition software, customers do not need to queue at the ticket station to get a receipt. At the exit, patrons can leave much faster instead of queuing at the pay station. The system reduces the time-consuming processes and increases convenience for customers. Besides, customers do not have to worry about losing a ticket and enduring the stressful process of resolving the issue.
Seamless Entry and Exit
Installing the ticketless parking software makes parking seamless and straightforward. The ANPR camera recognises customers’ license plate numbers, and the barrier opens automatically. Alternatively, customers can use their smartphones to open car park barriers remotely. The fast flow-through of cars reduces traffic at the gate during entry or exit.
Online Payments
The innovative parking system accepts a range of payment options. Customers do not have to carry loose change around when they can settle the parking fee through a mobile app. While most car parks will have a pay station for traditionalists, customers can use contactless payments like debit and credit cards. The online payment options also allow customers to book and pay for the parking in advance.
Privacy
Customers are assured of complete privacy since the system does not record personal data. The only information captured by the software is the licence plate numbers, parking fee paid, and timestamps.
Advantages to the Parking Administrator
Reduced Expenses
In the past, a car park required control devices and multiple entry barriers to reduce the waiting time. However, the introduction of a ticketless system minimises the need for hardware equipment. That saves the administrator the cost of purchasing the devices and maintenance expenses. Parking operators save lots of cash on paper tickets by replacing them with digital options, which do not cost a dime.
No Need for On-Site Staff
With ticketless parking, there is no need to have staff at the gate to receive customers. The system is autonomous and controls access to the car park using digital modules and software. With the little supervision required, parking operators can run the car park 24/7 non-stop and increase revenue.
Remote Control Parking
The parking administrator has full control of the car park irrespective of where they are. This is because you can manage the booking and payments from a computer or mobile phone. The remote control also allows you to close or open the barriers in case of an emergency.
A ticketless parking system is one of the best innovations in the parking industry. It makes the process of parking frictionless, and customers enjoy the convenience it provides.
