Ticketless and Cashless Parking System for Private Courtyard in Limerick

Background

The private courtyard located in Limerick City was frequently used for unauthorized parking, causing significant issues for property owners and authorized users, including delivery trucks needing reliable access to the area. The property owners sought a sophisticated parking solution to prevent unauthorized access, manage parking fees for authorized users, and ensure free access for delivery trucks.

Smart Parking Technologies Ltd was commissioned to design, install, and manage a ticketless and cashless parking system to resolve these challenges. The parking system required specific configurations to handle varying types of vehicular access, including cars and delivery trucks, all through a constrained single-lane entry and exit point.

Challenges

1. Unauthorized Parking: The courtyard was being used by unauthorized vehicles, leading to congestion, reduced parking availability, and blocking access for delivery trucks.
2. Access Control: The owners required a solution that would allow authorized users to park for a fee while permitting free entry for delivery trucks.
3. Single-Lane Entry/Exit Configuration: Due to the physical limitations of the courtyard’s entry and exit lanes, the parking system needed to be designed to handle both small passenger vehicles and larger delivery trucks within a single-lane configuration.
4. Enhanced Security Requirements: As a private space, there was a need for a comprehensive CCTV surveillance system to monitor activity, ensure safety, and provide evidence in case of disputes or security incidents.

Solution

To meet the client’s requirements, Smart Parking Technologies Ltd implemented an integrated parking management system featuring ticketless and cashless technology, customized access controls, and a full CCTV infrastructure. The key components of the solution included:

1. Ticketless and Cashless Parking System
   • Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR): Installed at the entry and exit points, the ALPR system records vehicle license plates to enable ticketless entry and exit. This system supports hassle-free access, reduces congestion, and prevents unauthorized parking.
   • Cashless Payment Integration: Non-delivery vehicles can conveniently pay for parking at the exit machine before leaving the car park.
2. Customized Access Control for Delivery Trucks
   • Automated Delivery Truck Access: Delivery trucks are registered in the system to bypass payment requirements. They can freely enter and exit the courtyard without delays.
   • Lane Reconfiguration for Mixed Vehicles: Smart Parking Technologies designed a customized lane configuration at the entry and exit points to accommodate both passenger cars and delivery trucks. This included careful calibration of sensors and ALPR positioning to ensure seamless access for both types of vehicles within the single-lane design constraints.
3. Full CCTV Infrastructure
   • Comprehensive Surveillance System: High-definition CCTV cameras were strategically installed throughout the courtyard and entry/exit points to monitor activity, deter illegal parking, and enhance security.
   • Integrated Monitoring: The CCTV system integrates with the parking management platform, allowing real-time monitoring and video recording for enhanced safety and accountability.

Implementation Process

The project was executed in several phases:

1. Initial Site Assessment: A team from Smart Parking Technologies conducted a site survey to analyze the entry/exit lane limitations and assess the layout for CCTV placement. This ensured that both the parking and security aspects of the project could be addressed efficiently.
2. Custom System Design: The team designed a bespoke configuration to manage single-lane entry and exit for both cars and delivery trucks. This involved setting up ALPR systems at specific angles to accommodate both vehicle types within the lane’s spatial constraints.
3. Installation and Configuration: The ticketless parking system and CCTV cameras were installed across the courtyard, with ALPR systems mounted at entry and exit points. The cashless payment system was configured to charge regular users while allowing delivery trucks free access.
4. Testing and Optimization: A testing phase ensured that the system worked flawlessly, with adjustments made to optimize ALPR accuracy and payment processing. Delivery truck access was thoroughly tested to verify seamless entry and exit without charges.

Results and Benefits

1. Enhanced Access Control: Unauthorized parking was eliminated as only registered vehicles could access the courtyard, and other users could now conveniently pay at the exit.
2. Increased Efficiency: The cashless and ticketless system minimized delays and congestion at the entry and exit points. Delivery trucks enjoyed free access without interference, improving logistics for the property’s operations.
3. Improved Security: The CCTV infrastructure provided comprehensive monitoring, contributing to a safer environment for authorized users and deterring potential misuse of the courtyard.
4. Positive Client Feedback: The property owners reported high satisfaction with the system, appreciating the reduction in unauthorized parking and the enhanced security. The automated access for delivery trucks simplified logistics, meeting one of their primary requirements.

Conclusion

The implementation of Smart Parking Technologies Ltd’s ticketless and cashless parking system, combined with CCTV surveillance, successfully transformed the courtyard parking experience for the client in Limerick. By addressing issues of unauthorized parking, facilitating free access for delivery trucks, and overcoming the single-lane access limitation, Smart Parking Technologies delivered a reliable, secure, and efficient solution that exceeded client expectations. This project serves as a strong example of how tailored parking and security solutions can meet complex logistical and access requirements in limited urban spaces.