Smart Parking: a Romanian concept that proposes a solution for the parking problems in major cities

Conceived and launched by a Romanian company, the Smart Parking system is ideal for large cities, where congestions and implicitly the need for parking spaces are tremendous. In this sense, Smart Parking was especially designed to fill any empty or unused space, as long as it is not smaller than approximately 30 square meters – just about the size of two regular cars.

However, with the help of Smart Parking, within such a space it would be possible to fit not two, but a maximum of 16 cars depending on how high the mechanism is physically allowed to go. I say this because Smart Parking is an extremely flexible and easy to build system, so these vertical parking slots can be set up virtually anywhere: on the ground surface, underground, between buildings, inside buildings, and so on. The larger the surface is, both horizontally and vertically, the larger the number of parking spaces that can be built.

With regard to their functioning, Smart Parking systems are quiet, being manipulated with the help of an electrically operated lift, which works based on an input received from the client through his or her personalized card that contains a personalized access code. Basically, the electronic system identifies the position designated for the vehicle, picks it up and places it on the respective spot. The operation only takes about two minutes.

Referring to costs, one should note that the installation of such a system costs about 20,000 euros; the price obviously increases along with the number of parking spots required. However, costs remain affordable for companies and/or municipalities, which are the most likely customers of such mechanisms.

If Romania's first Smart Parking devices were built in Bucharest in 2009, the concept has gained increasing recognition, even abroad, the latest example being that of the town of San Remo, which has recently signed a contract with the producing company for the setup of several Smart Parking systems.

According to local media, the mechanism is considered an ingenious invention by the municipality, being seen as highly suited for cramped and narrow spaces, typical for Italian city centers.  

Sources:

smartparking.ro/about/ ;

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