TECHNOLOGY REVIEW: OFF-STREET PAYMENT 1: AUTOMATIC CHOICES FOR FEE COLLECTION

The author assesses the options available for parking fee collection where the basic choice is between barrier controls or operations needing some form of enforcement. All systems need a means of recording the entering time and calculating the amount owing when departing. Open car parks mainly use pay-and- display systems. Manned stations are the least costly to install but are relatively costly in terms of staffing levels, booth attendants often have to work in an exhaust-filled environment. Direct automation of pay-at- exit barriers generally allows the installation of card payment systems alongside coin slots or hoppers. Pay-on-foot systems are being introduced at some city centre car parks following successful trials at airports. Although costing more to install, the running costs are less and on-line reports are available on machinery activity, transactions and vehicle occupancy levels. Pay-and-display systems are most popular with public bodies and local authorities who have the ability to issue and pursue penalty tickets for defaulters. Drivers have to estimate the length of their stay before paying. The use of self-validating cards, like pay-and-display needs some form of enforcement to limit abuse.