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Smart Parking app introduced to Cowes and Wonthaggi by Bass Coast Shire Council as a better way to manage car parking

Bass Coast parking app now available for download to make a better way to manage parking.

By news@gippsland - 22nd December 2022 - Back to News

Council has now introduced Smart Parking to areas of Cowes and Wonthaggi. Smart Parking is a proven way to better manage our free parking using technology to help drivers save time finding an available bay and provide better access to businesses.

The Smart Parking does not have an impact on the current number of parking bays and there are no changes to parking limits or restrictions

Easier to find parking space

Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan, said the smart-parking technology, which includes 506 in-ground sensors installed in on-street parking bays and in the Transit Centre at Cowes, would make it easier to find a park across the CBD areas of Cowes and Wonthaggi.

"Our population across Bass Coast has grown 25 percent from 2016 to 2021 and we are one of Australia's premier tourism destinations. Initiatives that help minimise traffic congestion and enable drivers to find a park quicker, mean that they can spend more time in our fabulous local businesses." Cr Whelan said.

Efficiently locate available parking

Cr Whelan also said, "We learned through various engagements for Cowes and Wonthaggi that access to parks efficiently was a priority for the community. Smart parking will assist drivers to efficiently locate available parking meaning they are no longer circling the street looking for a spot. It's a better way to manage free parking."

"The introduction of smart parking will support the existing parking in Wonthaggi and Cowes and it is important to note that there have been no changes to parking restriction, no reduction in car parking spaces and that parking remains free for all users." Cr Whelan said.

Download app for free

In Cowes, the project is also supported by digitised traffic signs to guide drivers to an available parking space, without the need to download the app.

The Smart Parking sensors will provide council with visibility around space occupancy including duration of stay, usage trends, peak usage, as well as reporting and data insights that the council can use for information-driven future planning decisions.

The app - Bass Coast Parking, is available to download for free on Apple and Android smartphones now, giving drivers real time information such as the best available areas to park and the number of available car parking spaces in each area. For further information visit Smart Parking page.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council Facebook page.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com