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Smart Parking and ACT Government forge a new partnership to improve city services

Smart Parking has been working with the ACT Government to supply a smart city parking solution in Manuka, Canberra.

ACT Government looks to the future of parking in Manuka, Canberra

ACT Government looks to the future of parking in Manuka, Canberra

In May 2016 the ACT Government began a 12-month proof of concept Smart Parking pilot in Manuka, Canberra. The pilot aims to test the performance of 460 vehicle detection sensors, alongside dynamic signage and the introduction of ParkCBR - the real-time parking availability App.


The ACT Government is committed to ensuring the ACT is a liveable city now and into the future. As part of this commitment there are a number of innovative digital projects that have been and are being rolled out across the territory. One of these innovations is the Smart Parking pilot in Manuka.   


This pilot complements the 2014 parking machine upgrade, where 300 new off-street pay parking machines with new payment options, including credit card and pay-by-phone technology (Parkmobile) were upgraded across the Territory.


Following on from this parking machine upgrade, and in response to feedback received during the tender process and Digital Canberra consultations, the ACT Government developed the Smart Parking – Transforming Parking in the ACT issues paper.


The issues paper outlined key features of different smart parking technologies and a one month consultation occurred in early 2015 to examine the potential roll out of these technologies in the ACT. Manuka shopping precinct was selected as the suitable trial location to test and seek feedback on smart parking technology in the ACT. 


The ACT Government conducted a full Request for Proposal procurement process before contracting Smart Parking to provide its SmartPark solution.

A smart city solution for Manuka

The Manuka Smart Parking pilot uses innovative technology to save drivers time, reduce traffic delays and provide a better overall user experience. 


Before road users get in their car, they should check the ParkCBR App, which shows the available parking spaces across 460 parking bays in Manuka shopping precinct, by on/off street, street name and by category – paid-for, free, covered, open and disability parking spots.


Once users have selected a parking location ParkCBR then interacts with GoogleMaps GPS voice navigation the to direct the driver to their chosen space. Payment is made through the app with a link to Parkmobile.


Upon approach to Manuka the driver is provided updated parking information on five LED intelligent traffic signs.

The dynamic signs guide the motorist towards parking spaces by showing them where available spaces are the two main parking areas in Manuka:

  • 191 bays Furneaux car park multistorey; and
  • 108 bays on Bougainville street.

If the driver chooses to park in Furneaux Street car park they are further guided to unoccupied bays by green overhead lighting.

ACT Government video case study

Click here to see how Smart Parking has helped the ACT Government bring a smart city parking solution to the Manuka area of Canberra.

Play

"Smart Parking know their business, their technology is accurate, it's reliable, and the user interface is excellent"

Brook Dixon

Director of Regulatory Reform
ACT Government

Smart Parking can make it easier for you to find and pay for a park and help reduce your travel times, making it easier for you to move around Canberra during peak times.


International studies suggest that 30 per cent of traffic in downtown areas are cars looking for a carpark (noting that the figure in Canberra may not be this high).


Westminster Council, in London, has publicly announced that they are looking into the possibility of creating a cashless parking scheme through radio frequency identification chips (RFID). In the future, motorists may be able to park and walk away – automatically paying for parking however long they stay.


Smart Parking can reduce traffic congestion from cars cruising for a park. This can benefit everyone and reduce our emissions, making for a more sustainable and efficient city.


Smart Parking can improve access for shops and businesses by improved optimisation of available parking spaces.


Where does Smart Parking technology operate in Manuka?

The following on-street bays are covered by the ParkCBR app:


  • Furneaux (between Canberra Avenue and Murray Crescent)
  • Bougainville (between Furneaux and Flinders Way)
  • Flinders Way (between Murray Crescent and Canberra Ave)
  • Franklin (between Captain Cook Crescent and Ducane Street)
  • Captain Cook Crescent (both sides, between Canberra Avenue and Murray Crescent / Stuart Street).


Frequently Asked Questions: For more information on the ACT Government's Smart Parking trial please visit our FAQ.


Manuka Smart Parking video library: Watch interviews with ACT Chief Minister, Andrew Barr; ACT Government Officials; local business representatives and media coverage here


Where can I find out more? For more information please visit the ACT Government website