Posted: May, 23, 2023 9:00AM ET • 4 min read

Parking meter technology has long been the go-to solution for parking operators and facility managers due to their reliability and versatility. Since they were first introduced to the Canadian market in 1990, they have evolved to meet our everchanging societal needs. Today, the latest generation of smart parking meters not only enhance the customer experience and improve revenue capture, but also provide an optimal parking solution for facility managers and customers alike.

Below are several innovative features to look out for when investing in parking meter technology for your parking operation.

1. An interactive interface for convenient customer experiences.

First and foremost, it is important for the interface to be fully optimized for a more interactive and engaging customer experience. A cutting-edge interface includes LED color, touch, and video-enabled display screens. Customized on-screen messages and payment instructions can help drivers navigate the parking process with ease while promoting brand personality and a consistent, professional experience.

2. Payment versatility to make paying for parking easy.

Accepting multiple payment options, including coins, credit and debit cards, mobile payments, and contact-free payment, is crucial for a seamless and consistent payment experience. Best-in-class smart parking meters provide omnichannel processing capabilities, allowing drivers to start the payment process at the meter and use the mobile app when they need more time. This flexibility not only improves customer satisfaction but also enables parking operators to capture greater revenue.

3. Substantial design and build equipped for all environments.

When selecting parking meter technology, it is equally as important to consider its design and overall build. Ideally, the meter should be able to adapt for Pay-by-Display and Pay-by-License Plate modes, depending on the current needs of your operation. Solar panel power allows for maximum flexibility and power autonomy, reducing maintenance costs. The parking meter should also be designed with resistance to extreme weather conditions and anti-graffiti and scratch-resistant materials to ensure long-lasting durability.

4. Enhanced software integrations for real-time insights.

Software plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of parking meter technology. A smart reporting dashboard that collects real-time data for customer analysis can help improve parking management processes and customer experiences. The ability to integrate with a mobile parking platform with your meter data can save time and resources for parking operators, while creating an easy payment experience for customers. Integrated Cloud-based enforcement technology can also be used to reduce in-field errors and streamline the enforcement process.

By investing in parking meter technology that is equipped with a large range of innovative features and technology-driven solutions, parking operators can improve customer satisfaction, drive revenue growth, and stay ahead of the competition.

References

Ewanss, J. (2023, January 4). Solar powered pay and display machines are the future of car parking systems. F1 Formula 1 Magazine. Retrieved May 4, 2023, from https://www.formulasantander.com/solar-powered-pay-and-display-machines/

Must-have features for your mobile parking payment app. Parking Industry Insights. (2020, September 8). Retrieved May 1, 2023, from https://www.parkingindustry.ca/feature-articles/must-have-features-for-your-mobile-parking-payment-app

The importance of parking enforcement for meter operations. Parking Industry Insights. (2020, August 13). Retrieved May 1, 2023, from https://www.parkingindustry.ca/parking-management/the-importance-of-parking-enforcement-for-meter-operations