November 29, 2018
This article first appeared in the Geelong Advertiser on the 29th November 2018. Click here to view the original version (available to Herald Sun subscribers).
A SMART parking operator has called on Geelong council to release parking data on an open source platform to get the best deal on their parking technology plans.
UbiPark CEO Mosstyn Howell, a Cats fan who battles to get a park at GMHBA Stadium on game days, said technology such as ground sensors and connected apps leading drivers to free spaces would ease frustrations over finding a park.
Mr Howell said Geelong should follow the lead of Amsterdam and let smart parking start-ups present multiple options to drivers, rather than council dictating one provider monopolise the market.
He said as cities trended towards removing carparks, it was more important than ever for councils to improve occupancy rates.
According to City of Greater Geelong data, the city’s carparks have a 75 per cent occupancy rate, up on the 52 per cent figure supplied to the Geelong Advertiser in July.
“Every time I’m travelling to Geelong, especially if I’m running a little bit late, I find it tough to find a car park and get into (Kardinia Park),” Mr Howell said.
UbiPark operates in Melbourne and is in discussions with other inner-city councils, and Mr Howell said he had his eye on Geelong.
“Our aim is to make it easy and a one-stop shop for motorists, so if they’re in Geelong you could see all the parking options,” he said.
City of Greater Geelong director of investment and attraction Brett Luxford said smart parking would form part of the Central Geelong parking precinct plan due next month. “We are now exploring the latest parking technology, such as sensors that notify people about parking availability, as well as upgraded parking apps and paying for parking using your car registration number,” he said.
He said council was working with Transport for Victoria, VicRoads, DELWP and PTV to tackle transport issues, seeking better public transport options and simpler parking.
Jacob Grams, Geelong Advertiser
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