Drivers in London’s West End will soon be spared the hunt for a parking space after Westminster Council announced plans to install a new smart parking system.
The council has signed a £890,000 contract for parking solutions firm Smart Parking to fit 3,000 sensors at all ‘paid-for’ and disabled parking bays across the West End.
The sensors can detect whether a parking bay is vacant or in use. Drivers can then use an app on their smartphone to locate a nearby vacant bay and receive directions to it.
Westminster says if the scheme is successful it will fit a further 7,000 sensors across the rest of its road network
Cllr Nickie Aiken, Westminster’s Cabinet Member for Street Management, said: “Parking bay sensors are a simple concept that will deliver major benefits for people visiting Westminster as well as those living and working here.
“Making it easier to find a parking space, reducing congestion in the process, they are a key investment in Westminster’s commitment to provide ‘fairer, easier, parking’.”
Paul Gillespie, Smart Parking’s Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “SmartPark is a tried and tested solution that makes it easier to find a parking space, reducing congestion and cutting vehicle emissions.
“It delivers proven benefits for both drivers and local authorities, and we’re confident that residents, businesses and visitors to Westminster will have their driving and parking experience transformed in the months and years ahead.”
Ian Prise says
Where does a driver legally park (if they cant find a space) to take a look at this app on their smartphone, or is it ok to use your smartphone while driving in Westminster?