An International Approach

Comprehensive Smart Parking Solutions for a Cleaner Future

To resolve these challenges, the city partnered with RheinEnergie AG, a regional energy supply company based there and one of the largest energy providers in Germany. The two organizations worked together to implement a smart parking solution. The result was a combination of sensors, LED displays, and a connected mobile app to provide real-time, turn-by-turn guidance. The comprehensive system allows drivers to find a parking space in less time and be on their way to their destination.

Another important goal of the project was to minimize disturbances to the neighborhood. The city was hesitant to approve digging or disturbances to the streets or sidewalks, and preferred a solution that could utilize existing infrastructure like lampposts and signage. In addition, civic authorities and parking operators required an end-to-end platform to minimize internal administrative efforts, while obtaining comprehensive parking data including occupancy rates, peak times, and peak areas.

The project resulted in the installation of 89 sensors throughout the community. The sensors were affixed to existing lampposts, avoiding construction disruptions, and facilitating a fast and easy implementation. The sensors can each cover up to 100 parking spaces, depending on mounting height, and parking space layout. They can also measure the exact GPS position and size of open parking spaces.

For Cologne-Nippes, the sensors provide accurate, real-time information regarding the number, location, and direction of available parking spaces based on AI and deep learning algorithms. The information is then relayed to LED parking guidance displays located at each relevant intersection, guiding drivers to the most convenient parking spaces. The City and RheinEnergie worked together to locate the LED displays effectively considering their geographical layout. Real-time parking availability information can also be viewed in a free mobile application available to all drivers and providing them with additional information about occupancy per parking space category (e.g. disabled or delivery), guidance, and links to payment services.

Finally, a smart parking dashboard allows RheinEnergie to monitor actual occupancy status per parking space, the duration of parking events, the technical status of each device, and the real-time view of each parking guidance display. Through this dashboard, stakeholders can extract and analyze essential data to utilize as the basis for future infrastructure decisions.

With the newly integrated parking management system, drivers can now avoid searching for available parking for extended periods of time, improving their overall experience and reducing vehicle emissions. On-site test drives have shown that parking search time can be reduced by up to 45%, providing information about the location of available parking rather than searching aimlessly. At the same time, the distance driven while searching for parking can be reduced by 41%. Upon implementation, the City performed 145 test drives on weekdays at three different locations with a parking space occupancy rate between 95 and 99%.

Prior to implementation, the occupancy rate was at 88% between 10 am and 6 pm on weekdays. This result was based on the measurement of 10,000 parking spaces/events. After implementation, parking capacity usage has increased by nearly 8 percentage points to 96%.

In summary, two thirds of parking spaces that previously remained unoccupied are now more quickly and easily located by drivers, meaning that available on-street parking areas are being used in an optimal way with the solution providing real-time information about each individual parking space. This data can also be used by city officials to maximize parking management in Nippes itself and in other parts of the city.

The positive financial return on investment is expected within two years, considering increased payment compliance, emission reduction, and time savings. Moreover, the use of existing infrastructure minimized costs and inconveniences, showcasing the effectiveness of RheinEnergie’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

The successes of this project will be seen throughout Cologne for years to come. In 2023, the City included the deployment of a comprehensive parking guidance system city-wide as part of its carbon neutrality 2035 master plan. 

Replicating Successes through the SMART Grant Program

As communities across the U.S. seek to identify and implement projects to meet the challenges presented in Cologne and others, the SMART Grant Program will be vital making these efforts possible. Just like in Europe, issues like carbon emissions, traffic congestion, safety, and more are only growing in U.S. cities of all sizes, and the SMART Grant Program aims at facilitating projects to promote innovation and streamline urban mobility and transportation efficiency.

The Cologne model demonstrates the transformative impact of thought leadership, creative solution integration, and successful outcomes in the realm of parking and curb management. The program provides an unprecedented opportunity for cities in the U.S to address parking and mobility challenges, inspiring the adoption of advanced smart technologies to create cleaner, more efficient communities.

The Cologne project highlights how strategic partnerships and comprehensive smart parking technologies can lead to positive results. As U.S. cities embark on similar journeys with the SMART Grant Program, they can draw inspiration from Cologne’s approach to optimizing parking assets. By fostering collaboration with innovative solution providers, cities can utilize real-time data to identify inefficiencies, implement effective policies, and enhance the overall transportation and parking experiences within their communities. As the SMART Grant Program continues to drive transformative initiatives, U.S. cities can look ahead to reshape their urban environments, promoting sustainability, reducing emissions, and creating a more seamless and enjoyable environment for residents and visitors alike. ◆