Lack of guidance information within car parks can seriously affect their traffic flow. Drivers tend to block entrances and exits while waiting for nearby spaces to become available; this can even lead to parking queues entering main roads outside the park. The Signal-Park system, developed by Schick Electronic SA in Switzerland, uses a small, ceiling-mounted device for use in parking garages, that has been developed to smooth the flow and efficiency of car-park operations. This unit is fitted above an individual parking space, and uses an ultrasonic detector to check space occupation. The unit's front has coloured light emitting diodes (LEDs), which display directions to drivers and identify vacant spaces. The LEDs can give a choice of messages: (1) a floor level with a vacancy; (2) a particular lane; or (3) an individual parking space. The ceiling units can be programmed to flash green above the nearest available space, and show red for occupied or reserved spaces; an orange LED can show a space occupied beyond its time limit. The lights are visible from over 100m, and operate for several years with minimal maintenance. The system is especially good in large multi-storey car parks, but is also suitable for car parks with as few as 20 spaces. The car park has more traffic flow and throughput, and better customer service.
Abstract