Sense of space: Sensors have been placed in car parking bays near the pier and Lyons Road, Rye. Picture: Gary Sissons

A SMART-parking trial aimed at easing traffic congestion at Rye will feature in-ground and camera parking bay sensors, mobile electronic parking availability signs, and a smart parking availability App.

In the trial, drivers approaching Rye will be able to see the number of available parking spaces on the foreshore and commercial precinct and be directed to those spaces.

“The trial aims to make accessing the Rye precinct easier and more convenient, while providing a better parking experience for both residents and tourists,” the mayor Cr Sam Hearn said.

“By using this innovative technology, visitors and residents can drive straight to available parking spaces and avoid circling around in the busy precinct.”

About 6.3 million tourists visit the Mornington Peninsula annually, with townships under increasing pressure to provide suitable parking.

The smart technology sensors will also monitor demand for bins, barbecues, toilets and walkways in Rye. “This will help us to be responsive during high demand periods and to provide a better service to Rye visitors,” Cr Hugh Fraser said.

Visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/smartparking to learn more about how the trial works, what carparks and streets are included, and to download the Smart Parking Availability App.

The trial will run until June. The technology could possibly be extended to other busy areas of the peninsula.

The project is funded by Mornington Peninsula Shire, RMIT University, DM Roads and a Federal Smart Cities and Suburbs Program grant.

First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 18 February 2020