Advancing Urban Mobility: Innovations in Smart Parking Technology

By Henry Duah

​As urban centres worldwide grapple with escalating traffic congestion and limited parking availability. Traditional parking systems often contribute to urban challenges, including increased traffic congestion, higher emissions from vehicles searching for parking, and inefficient use of space. The increasing traffic congestion and scarcity of parking spaces in cities have led to the development of smart parking solutions as essential components of the smart city concept. By integrating advanced technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and real-time data analytics, these solutions aim to streamline parking management, reduce environmental impact, and enhance the overall urban experience.​

Smart parking solutions represent a transformative approach to addressing urban mobility challenges. By leveraging cutting-edge technologies to improve parking in urban centres and cities, these innovations not only enhance the efficiency of parking systems but also contribute to broader objectives of reducing congestion, lowering environmental impact, and improving the quality of urban life.

As cities continue to evolve into smarter ecosystems, smart parking solutions will be integral to shaping sustainable and livable urban environments. This week, we highlight some innovators with the space of smart parking technologies.

What Makes Smart Parking Possible?

Smart parking systems rely on a combination of advanced technologies to improve parking efficiency, reduce congestion, and enhance urban mobility. These systems integrate various digital tools and infrastructure to automate and optimize parking operations. The key technologies enabling smart parking include:

• Internet of Things (IoT) – Sensors and connected devices monitor parking occupancy and share real-time data.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI) – AI-driven analytics improve parking predictions, automate enforcement, and enhance license plate recognition accuracy.
• Cloud Computing – Centralized platforms manage data, process transactions, and provide remote access to parking operators.
• License Plate Recognition (LPR) – Cameras and AI software enable ticketless entry and exit by automatically identifying vehicles.
• Mobile Applications & Digital Payments – Apps and contactless payment systems facilitate seamless parking reservations and transactions.
• Integration with Smart City Infrastructure – Connectivity with traffic management, electric vehicle (EV) charging, and shared mobility solutions enhance urban efficiency.

Companies Spotlight

SpotHero (HQ – United States)
Founded in 2011, by Mark Lawrence and Larry Kiss, SpotHero is a technology-driven parking solution that enables users to find, reserve, and pay for parking at thousands of locations across North America. Through its digital infrastructure, SpotHero integrates with parking facilities to provide real-time availability and seamless access, supporting both hourly and long-term parking needs. The platform leverages automation, mobile connectivity, and data insights to optimize drivers’ parking experience while enhancing operator space utilisation. SpotHero’s system is compatible with mobile apps, Apple CarPlay, and enterprise solutions, allowing for streamlined transactions and efficient parking management.

ParkBee (HQ – The Netherlands)
Founded in 2013 by Jian Jiang and Tom Buchmann, this European startup focuses on unlocking underutilized private parking spaces for public use. ParkBee optimizes urban parking by transforming underutilized off-street spaces into accessible digital parking locations. Through its platform, users can search, book, and pay for parking via a mobile app or online, ensuring a seamless and efficient parking experience. The system integrates with barriers and access controls, allowing for automated entry and exit without the need for physical tickets. By leveraging technology to maximize space utilization, ParkBee reduces congestion on city streets while providing cost-effective parking solutions for drivers and property owners.

Get My Parking (HQ – India)
Founded in 2015 by Chirag Jain and Rasik Pansare, Get My Parking provides an end-to-end digital parking platform that integrates various parking equipment and payment systems. Get My Parking develops interoperable parking technology that integrates with existing infrastructure to enable digital and automated parking management. The company provides a cloud-based platform that centralizes control over parking operations, supporting ticketless entry and exit through AI-powered license plate recognition (LPR) and QR-based systems. Their technology allows operators to modernize legacy equipment with IoT-based retrofitting solutions, enabling seamless data exchange and automation. Additionally, Get My Parking facilitates integrations with electric vehicle (EV) charging, shared mobility services, and contactless payments, optimizing parking spaces for diverse mobility needs.

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