The Belgian city of Ghent has installed a comprehensive parking guidance system to improve traffic flow in its centre. The system was provided by Bosch Signalbau Huber AG and has four parts: (1) detection and local processing; (2) central processing unit (CPU), control, and checks; (3) dynamic traffic signs; and (4) data transmission between the different system components. Each of the nine multi-storey car parks has a reporting terminal, which continually receives signals from its entry and exit barriers, performs calculations on them, and transmits the results to the CPU. The CPU collects and checks these data, and calculates messages to be sent to the signs, according to daily and weekly plans. The local authorities have integrated the system's data transmission requirements into the local cable television (CATV) network, thus dramatically reducing communications costs. They decided to connect all the car parks and the CPU directly to the TV transport network. The advantage of data transmission via the CATV network is that it is installed in most of Ghent, is reliable and free from interference, and has acceptable transmission costs. Circulation through multi-storey car parks has already begun to rise. In future, it will also be possible to link the parking guidance system to other traffic systems.
Abstract