Canberra's parking inspectors could soon be alerted to drivers overstaying their car park limit via ground sensors and other new technology set to be rolled out as part of an ACT government trial.
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The trial, which is expected in the second half of 2015, could take place in the Manuka shopping precinct or a suburban centre, and include a grace period for drivers who have overstayed by a short period.
Chief Minister Andrew Barr and Planning Minister Mick Gentleman will release a discussion paper – with a one-month consultation – on smart-parking options on Friday and also want to hear from industry and entrepreneurs with innovative ideas.
Cities in Europe and the United States use smartphone applications to improve parking, including alerting drivers to available spaces in busy areas and providing the best routes to avoid traffic.
The technology, which is designed to reduce road congestion and save time, can reduce the cost of municipal parking enforcement and increase the issuing of fines.
The Canberra trial could also explore the increased use of "intelligent signs", which record the number of available off-street parks, and demand responsive pricing: prices could be lowered in off-peak periods and increased with demand.
Sensors can record when a driver arrives in a car park and start the countdown to the designated time limit.
The discussion paper forecasts improved parking enforcement and an eventual end to chalk markings on tyres and repeat visits by inspectors to issue fines.
A city-wide system would be connected with Canberra's free Wi-Fi network.
More payment options could benefit drivers; replacing "pay and display" requirements with the greater use of applications including the existing Park Mobile system.
"The ACT government is committed to urban renewal and ensuring Canberra remains a sustainable and liveable city in the future," Mr Barr said.
"As part of this commitment and as our city grows, we are looking at ways we can make parking more convenient so it is easier for Canberrans to plan their travel and to mix car use with other forms of transport, including buses, cycling or walking. If our city is easier to get around, it is easier to do business."
More than 6 per cent of drivers use Park Mobile to pay for parking in Canberra, up from 2 per cent in July last year.
In 2014, the government bought 300 off-street pay parking machines with new payment options, including credit card and pay by phone technology.
The discussion paper includes some promising data for drivers.
One study found smart-parking technology in San Francisco reduced the time that drivers spent searching for a park by 43 per cent.
Studies have found 30 per cent of cars in congested city traffic are looking for a park, although congestion levels remain low in Canberra.
The French city of Nice, with a population of 350,000, has installed new technology in 8500 on-street spaces and 19 multi-storey car parks. Authorities reported 30 per cent savings in parking operation costs and a 10 per cent reduction in pollution and congestion.
A similar system in Perth, which was launched in 2012, provides drivers with the best route to car spaces and issues a reminder for drivers when the time limit is about to expire.
The City of Melbourne has made all the data from its smart parking available online to the public and business.
Mr Gentleman said digital advancement could improve city centres and make it easier for Canberrans and visitors to engage with government services.
"The ACT government will use the trial as an opportunity to work with the local business community and to test and seek feedback on the technology."
The consultation continues until March 6.
