Council gets smart about CBD parking
Published on 21 February 2017
With just the touch of an app, finding a car park in the CBD is set to become a whole lot easier with Council’s plans to introduce over 500 smart parking sensors.
Today Council endorsed the location of the in-ground sensors which will take over from the traditional method of chalking tyres.
Stage One of the rollout will be between Derby and Fitzroy Streets with 84 sensors installed along Quay Street, 232 along East Street and 85 on Bolsover Street. From East to Bolsover Streets there will be 48 installed along William Street, and 59 along Denham Street.
Rockhampton Region Mayor Margaret Strelow said the sensors will connect CBD visitors with real-time information about where there are vacant car parks, creating a more convenient and welcoming CBD.
“'Smart parking' will be convenient for customers, saving them time searching for carparks. This will help ease congestion, saving on the amount of traffic circling around, as we focus on bringing more people into the CBD,” Mayor Strelow said.
“The 'parking app' will also allow visitors to find loading zones and disabled parking spaces. There will also be display boards placed in key strategic locations to help people find parks as well.”
Database Consultants Australia (DCA) was awarded the contract to install the sensors. They will be placed under the asphalt and will communicate wirelessly to Council’s network via solar powered devices on our 'smart' poles.
The sensors are a key element of a Council’s $4.04 million Riverfront and CBD Smart Technologies project which also includes the smart poles and lighting on the riverbank with integrated sound systems, smart CCTV cameras and free public Wi-Fi throughout the CBD.
Council budgeted $2.02 million towards the project in 2016 and received matching funding from the State Government’s Building our Region’s programme late last year.
Member for Rockhampton Bill Byrne advocated Council’s plans to introduce the smart technology, saying that it will improve utilisation of the CBD.
“Investing in technology in our Region’s hub is a long term investment in creating a more sustainable and liveable future for our CBD,” Mr Byrne said.
“Whether it’s smarter parking or enhanced security and lighting as seen on the Riverbank, it all contributes to improving the utilisation of our CBD and allows us to be a more competitive Regional city.
“Late last year our Government recognised the Rockhampton CBD as one of its four priority projects in terms of creating inner city living, so it is important to further support initiatives like this that will enhance liveability for residents.”
If Council is successful in obtaining further funding, it is proposed that stage two of the smart sensors will occupy streets surrounding East Street between Fitzroy and Archer Street and Alma Street Between William and Fitzroy Streets.