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Parking technology: from classic barrier systems to digital solutions

Parking technology in comparison: Until now, every parking space was considered a cosmos of its own, with a horizon that only extended from the entrance to the exit. But growing mobility needs require advanced solutions. Which technology is fit for the future?

24
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06
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2025
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Reading time
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Contents

The development of parking technology

Digitalisation has been causing a rethink in society for years, changing the demands on every area of life. One important point is, of course, mobility, which includes everyday processes such as parking. Until now, every parking space was considered a cosmos in its own right, with a horizon that only extended from the entrance to the exit. If one looks at the development of parking technology in Germany, it quickly becomes clear that this way of thinking is no longer up-to-date. But which technologies have been used so far and what will prevail?

The classic of parking technology: The parking barrier


A look at the past first shows the further development of the parking barrier. From manual opening, to electric barriers with parking tickets, on to modern approaches with chip or number plate recognition.

The physical demarcation with a barrier clearly regulates the authority over entry and exit, but this technology is still associated with high acquisition and also maintenance costs. Defective barriers require quick action, because damage or technical problems must be remedied quickly due to the threat of lost sales. Another disadvantage is future viability: It is already clear that parking spaces in many places will develop into so-called mobility hubs, which will form hubs for parking facilities, sharing models and public transport. The physical barrier makes this integration of sharing offers and flexible billing models for parking and e-charging more difficult.

Parking space control through built-in parking sensors


Another digital approach is the use of parking sensors, which are attached to each parking space to be checked. This allows parking attendants to specifically identify parking violators during patrols. Sensors also provide information on the occupancy and usage of the parking space. Although they require less maintenance than electric barriers, the sensors have batteries that have to be replaced every 3-5 years. In addition, there is the well-known problem of staff patrols: parking space control is only carried out on a random basis, and possible parking tickets can lead to annoyance in the area and complaints in surrounding shops.

Barrier-free parking technology


Probably the most advanced technology currently available is based on smart parking systems that operate almost entirely without hardware. A scanner records the car's license plate number on entry and exit in compliance with the GDPR and uses this to determine the parking fee. This can be paid using an app or all common payment methods via a machine. The entire process is digital - barriers, sensors, control personnel and paper tickets are no longer necessary. 


This eliminates immense costs for car park operators in the acquisition and maintenance of their parking technology. Digital parking systems are less susceptible to maintenance, as only the analogue licence plate scanner needs to be installed. This is robust and inconspicuous and therefore also protected against vandalism.


Also, a 24/7 maintenance service for wear parts and system failures, as needed in restricted parking areas, is no longer necessary. Unlike conventional parking sensors, the licence plate recognition-based parking technology allows for maximum parking time monitoring and identifies parking violations directly, eliminating the need for manual patrols.

Digital parking as the technology of the future

Why should digitalisation stop at closed parking barriers? Parkers want to do without fumbling for small change for machines, a paper ticket system and inconvenient approaches to barriered parking spaces. Instead, the parking and payment process should be uncomplicated and digital. A return to analogue technologies is unthinkable. 

Parking spaces as part of digital mobility concepts


Parking spaces can no longer be considered in isolation, but must be integrated as a component of digital mobility concepts. The integration of partners to pay parking costs via app, to use car-sharing models or even to rent an e-scooter for the onward journey in the inner city area will increasingly establish itself as standard. Only in this way can simple parking areas become smart mobility hubs. These requirements cannot be met with existing technologies such as parking barriers and sensors.


Barrier-free parking can therefore no longer be regarded as a distant concept for the future, but is already the new status quo in the parking industry, and there is no way around it in the long term.


One of the established companies in the field of digital parking management is the Munich-based technology provider Peter Park System GmbH. In addition to barrier-free entry and exit through automatic license plate recognition, the Peter Park system provides a platform for integrating various mobility services. In this way, the company helps parking operators to adapt their technology to contemporary mobility needs and to benefit from the advantages of barrier-free technology.

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Frequently asked questions about parking space monitoring

What is digital parking space monitoring?

Digital parking space monitoring is a technology that makes it possible to automatically monitor and manage parking spaces. Systems such as license plate recognition and real-time data analysis are used to check parking duration, detect violations and monitor parking space utilization in real time - without any manual intervention.

What are the advantages of digital parking space monitoring?

Increased efficiency: Automatic monitoring reduces administrative effort.

Cost reduction: Low hardware usage and minimal maintenance reduce operating and investment costs.

Betterparking space utilization: Real-time monitoring ensures that parking spaces are available for the right users.

Ease of use: Easy parking for your users without manual barriers or tickets.

Data protection: Our solutions are GDPR-compliant and ensure secure data storage.

How does license plate recognition work?

License plate recognition scans the license plates of vehicles entering or leaving a parking space. The system records the parking time and checks whether the parking regulations are being adhered to. Violations such as exceeding the parking time or missing parking fees are automatically detected and processed accordingly.

Is digital parking space monitoring secure and compliant with data protection regulations?

Yes, our systems are GDPR-compliant and meet all legal requirements for the protection of privacy. The data collected is processed in compliance with data protection regulations and only the information necessary to monitor the parking process is stored.

How quickly can digital parking space monitoring be implemented?

The digital solution is often implemented within a day. All you need are scanners and signs to inform users of the parking rules. We install quickly and without major structural changes or long downtimes. Make an appointment now!

What types of parking areas can I monitor with the digital solution?

Our solution is suitable for all types of parking areas, both indoors and outdoors. It can be used in shopping centers, airports, hotels, health centers, swimming lakes, beaches and mountain railroads. Digital parking surveillance is scalable and customizable to meet the requirements of any parking area.

How do my customers benefit from digital parking space monitoring?

With digital parking space monitoring, your customers benefit from a stress-free parking experience. They no longer have to search for a parking space or worry about parking tickets. Our real-time data ensures that parking spaces are always used optimally, and automated parking time control ensures that third-party parkers are kept away.

Can digital parking space monitoring be integrated with other systems?

Yes, our solutions can be easily integrated with other systems and parking apps to further improve the user experience. We offer flexible integrations that make it possible to connect different systems such as online payment or charging stations for electric vehicles.

Are foreign licence plates also recognised?

Yes. Number plates from all European countries can be recorded.

Do drivers have to slow down when entering?

No. Drivers only have to comply with the speed limits of the applicable road traffic regulations.

How does number plate recognition work?

The license plate of a vehicle is automatically recognized when entering and exiting. There is no permanent video recording. Only when a license plate number is recognized is a one-off recording of the license plate area made in compliance with data protection regulations.

How does the system behave in rain or snow?

The license plate scanner is equipped with a weather protection and heating element and is designed for all weather conditions.

Does the number plate recognition also work in the dark?

Yes, license plate recognition works in the dark with the help of additional infrared lighting.

Where can Peter Park be used?

The solution is suitable for all clearly defined parking areas away from public roads. The technology can be used both indoors and outdoors. For example, outdoor parking spaces, parking garages or underground garages.

Who is responsible for data protection?

Peter Park is responsible for the data protection-compliant operation of the parking system.

Does the registration of licence plates have to be reported to the respective data protection authority?

No, you do not have to report the number plate recognition to the data protection authority.

Is number plate recognition allowed in Germany?

Yes, in compliance with the applicable GDPR.

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