City of Columbus to Test Innovative Vehicle Detection Sensors Designed to Add Predictability to Parking
The Short North trial will test technology that identifies available
parking spaces in real time
The City of Columbus will launch an innovative demonstration
project next month designed to further enhance the on-street parking experience
with technology that identifies parking space availability in real time.
The testing of three different vehicle detection systems
represents another step in the Division of Parking Services’ commitment to
advance accessible, equitable and predictable parking and mobility options for
all Columbus residents, businesses and visitors.
If successful, the technology being tested could integrate
with the city’s ParkColumbus mobile payment app in the future.
“This project allows us to explore how the city can continue
to add convenience and the right smart tools to the parking experience for
residents, businesses and visitors,” said Robert Ferrin, Assistant Director of
Parking Services. “Use of sensing technology could effectively eliminate
circling and searching for available on-street parking as well as assist in
offering direction to other parking and transportation options.”
To conduct the testing, installation of soda can-size
in-ground sensors and in-meter sensors will take place starting today, Tuesday
and Wednesday at parking spaces in the Short North along a section of High
Street south of 2nd Avenue and Park Street south of Russell Street.
Temporary daytime parking restrictions will occur during installation.
The three-month demonstration is set to start on Oct. 1 and
run through Dec. 31 with three companies: Milwaukee-based CivicSmart Inc. and
Fybr, located in St. Louis, to test their in-ground sensors, and San
Diego-based IPS Group to test its sensors placed in the parking meter dome.
Parking Services will evaluate the overall performance of these diverse and cost-effective vehicle detection systems whose technology is capable of identifying on-street parking vacancies and providing actionable data such as parking patterns and demand trends.
The companies were selected from 12 applicants based on their track record in cities similar to Columbus, and their ability to be flexible in addressing the city’s specific parking program needs. Each vendor also has the capability to integrate its technology with the ParkColumbus app.
With this test and other potential trials, Parking Services will continue to explore how innovation can support reducing congestion, increasing mobility options and efficiently managing parking as Columbus experiences tremendous growth.