Abstract
Parking space is often scarce in urban areas, which requires effective management. Traditional methods such as barriers and manual controls are costly and maintenance-intensive. Digital solutions such as license plate scanners offer an efficient alternative: they automatically record parking processes, minimize effort and costs, and increase customer satisfaction. Data protection and flexibility, for example through rental or e-charging station integration, make this technology future-proof and economically attractive. Wemolo offers a GDPR-compliant, modern solution for parking space management.
Definition
Parking space is often scarce in urban areas as demand exceeds supply. Parking management aims to organize and manage existing parking spaces more efficiently. The aim is to reduce traffic problems, create a balance between supply and demand and at the same time reduce environmental pollution such as exhaust fumes and noise.
In the long term, well thought-out management of parking areas can help to reduce the number of parking violations and minimize long-term parking. This not only promotes resident and business satisfaction, but also enables parking lot owners to ensure the availability of their parking spaces for customers. If parking spaces become scarce at peak times, this could cause a loss of revenue as customers choose alternative options. Residents, on the other hand, need straightforward solutions, whether through fixed or flexible parking space rental options. We explain below which approaches exist for efficient parking space management.
What types are there?
Traditionally, parking space management has been carried out by staff checking parking tickets, parking meters or barrier systems. However, digitalization offers new possibilities, including apps for booking parking tickets, parking sensors and license plate scanners. What are the advantages and disadvantages of these approaches?
Control by parking ticket and parking meter
Manual controls require a lot of staff and can be perceived as intrusive by users. In addition, the error rate for parking disks is high, as around 60% of users in private parking areas forget to display the disk. This often leads to fines and conflicts between ticket inspectors and customers.
Cabinet systems
Enclosure systems are expensive to purchase and maintain. They are susceptible to weather damage and mechanical defects that can cause malfunctions. Other disadvantages include breakdowns, traffic jams and the associated environmental impact and disruption to traffic.
Parking lot sensors
Sensors have to be installed in every parking space, which is particularly expensive for larger parking areas. They require regular maintenance and are susceptible to damage, for example by winter services. In addition, they usually require on-site personnel to follow up on violations.
License plate scanner as a digital solution
License plate scanners offer an efficient alternative. The license plate is scanned and time-stamped on entry and exit. The parking time is determined on the basis of the time difference. Data protection is guaranteed as only the necessary data is stored. There is no video surveillance and image areas outside the license plate are made unrecognizable.
The technology developed by Wemolo is DEKRA-certified and complies with the GDPR. Parking processes are handled in compliance with data protection regulations and all irrelevant data is deleted within 48 hours.
Advantages of license plate scanner technology
- User-friendliness: Customers do not have to display parking disks or take tickets. The entire process is automatic.
- Efficient management: Parking lot owners can effectively filter out long-term parkers and third-party users.
- Analysis potential: The software provides detailed insights into parking space usage and enables data-based decisions.
- Flexibility: Options such as the rental of parking spaces or the integration of e-charging stations can be easily implemented.
- Reduced effort: The system significantly minimizes maintenance and administration costs.
Costs and legal basis
The costs of converting to a digital system vary depending on the location and concept. Compared to barrier systems, however, license plate scanners are cheaper and quicker to implement. Installation is often completed within a week.
In terms of data protection law, the use is based on legitimate interest in accordance with Art. 6 Para. 1 lit. f GDPR. The collection and processing of data is limited to what is necessary (Art. 5 GDPR) and is communicated through transparent signage on the areas.
