The installation of sensors and infrastructure to allow the introduction of a new smart parking system in Halifax is now almost complete, and testing is underway.
Calderdale Council is working with smart parking technology company, AppyParking to improve the parking experience in Halifax town centre, allowing people to find spaces more easily and pay by card through an app as well as by cash.
Around 1750 new smart parking sensors have now been installed in pay and display car parks and on street parking bays across the town. When live, these sensors will enable the AppyParking mobile app to show real-time parking availability allowing users to check where its best to park before the start of their journey, then drive straight to it, reducing the distance travelled and time spent trying to find parking.
The new system, which is being introduced on a two-year trial basis, also allows users of the mobile app to register a bank card to their account and pay for parking through the app, removing the need to carry change and find pay and display machines.
Following the minimum ticket duration (which is either half an hour or an hour depending on location), charging will take place by the minute rather than for each hour, and charges will end automatically as the car leaves the bay. There will be an additional 30p convenience charge made by AppyParking for making payments through the app.
Those wishing to pay with cash will still be able to do so, and blue badge and permit holders are unaffected by these changes and should continue to display their permits/badge. However, the app can still be used without the payment function to help people to find spaces more easily.
The initiative not only aims to improve the experience of parking in Halifax for residents and visitors, but also support key Council objectives of tackling congestion and improving air quality.
The system is due for official launch in late summer 2019, after complete and thorough testing of the app and infrastructure.
Calderdale Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Resources, Cllr Jane Scullion, said:
“We want to make parking as straightforward as possible. By using this new smart parking technology we can help people find spaces more easily, and allow for the convenience of cashless payments as happens in many other towns.
“This app is aimed at reducing congestion caused by people driving around town to look for on–street parking spaces, particularly at busy periods. The real-time availability function will also be of particular use to visitors to the town who already have the app but may not be familiar with the area.
“Following the roll out of the trial scheme in Halifax this year, we will also explore cashless parking provisions in the surrounding towns in the borough.”
For more information about AppyParking and for Frequently Asked Questions, visit www.calderdale.gov.uk and search for ‘AppyParking’.