THE Mornington smart parking trial is reportedly reducing congestion in the busy shopping precinct and helping drivers find parking spaces.
The 100 in-ground sensors installed in Mornington shopping areas from late December are on a six-month trial.
The in-ground sensors transmit data to electric signs which show the number of available spaces inside a car park, or strip, saving drivers from looking for a free space.
The sensors can detect a vehicle parked on them indicating that the bay is occupied or available. They do not detect or record information about the driver, passengers, or vehicle.
The sensors do not issue infringements for overstaying time limits but, if they detect vehicles are parking over the time limits, that data may be used by traffic officers to increase patrols in those areas. There is no suggestion the parking trial will lead to paid parking.
Mornington is the second town to trial smart parking on the peninsula. Over the past two summers, the shire trialled similar technology at Rye.
With Main Street, Mornington reopening to through traffic the shire is about to move 50 sensors currently on side streets to Main Street between the Esplanade and Barkly Street.
“The trial aims to make accessing Mornington easier and more convenient, while providing a better parking experience for both residents and tourists,” the mayor Cr Despi O’Connor said.
Cr O’Connor said the shire had been “surprised” by the number of parking violations in Mornington. She said there were 6700 overstays in January and February, with around 2400 of those vehicles being left for more than 30 minutes over the time limit.
“We are confident this smart parking technology will help us to increase parking availability and improve convenience and fairness for drivers.”
Cr Steve Holland said the trial would provide insight on parking behaviours and management and assess the suitability of long-term smart parking technology in Mornington. “We are committed to increasing access to parking spots by providing fairer, easier access to the limited amount of car parks, especially during peak periods.”
Cr Anthony Marsh said: “Smart parking technology has been proven to significantly reduce the time it takes to find a parking space and reduce car emissions in other cities and townships.
“This technology will also assist businesses on Main Street to have a higher turnover of customers by reducing congestion and overstaying vehicles in the area.”
Visit mornpen.vic.gov.au/smartparking to learn more about both projects.
First published in the Mornington News – 27 April 2021
