A NEW state-of-the-art system that aims to facilitate parking in the kingdom could be on the cards, following a major agreement between one of Bahrain’s parking solution providers and a leading Italian technology company.
Sanabis-based ParkPoint and Italian company Intercomp have signed a deal to potentially deploy a smart parking system, which is being used in major cities around Italy.
The system utilises ground-installed sensors in parking spaces that detect the presence of vehicles and aim to simplify parking.
The comprehensive transportation system aims to provide real-time data, reduce traffic congestion and minimise delays caused by the search for parking spaces.
ParkPoint founder and managing partner Omar Al Khan said that the new technology will enhance on-street parking for both drivers and authorities, coming with a mobile application that will show whether a space is available before the driver even reaches the spot.
“These sensors notify the user if a parking space is vacant or occupied,” he told the GDN.
“It will save them time and effort in searching for available spots.
“Additionally, traffic authorities can utilise this system to detect vehicles in parking spaces and verify whether they have paid for the spot without needing to physically check each and every vehicle.
“It enables them to immediately identify violators and take necessary actions, increasing efficiency and speed of traffic law enforcement.”
Based in the kingdom since 2008, ParkPoint operates in Bahrain and Riyadh, with more than 300 employees between both branches. It currently operates more than 50 parking locations and 15,000 parking spaces, including Bahrain Bay, Seef Mall and the Bahrain International Airport.
Mr Al Khan has always looked at solutions to making car parking in Bahrain as easy as possible, launching ParkPass in 2017 in an effort to make a seamless valet experience.
ParkPoint is now looking at the next step, signing a deal with Intercomp in an attempt to offer a ‘smart city solution’.
“We are delighted to announce the launch of this innovative system together,” said Mr Al Khan.
“ParkPoint takes pride in being at the forefront of introducing technological innovations which contribute to quality-of-life improvements for citizens and residents alike.
“The adoption of this system will serve as a significant milestone in our journey towards achieving progress and prosperity.”
While it is already deployed in Italy, the new system is yet to be approved or commissioned by any government agency in Bahrain, therefore, no set rollout date has been given.
Investment costs will also vary depending on various factors such as the number of parking spaces and the installation of necessary hardware and software, and development costs of the mobile application.
Despite that, Intercomp marketing manager Giordano Ambrosi is confident that when the system in adopted, it would make a world of difference.
“We are pleased to collaborate in delivering this parking system in Bahrain,” he said.
“The solution will enable municipalities and other government agencies to efficiently oversee parking operations at both executive and strategic levels.
“The system will provide users easy access to information and help them be aware of parking availability in specific areas, and navigate cities in Bahrain efficiently.”
A number of readers have sent letters to the GDN in the past, highlighting parking challenges in certain areas across the kingdom.
Drivers have complained about a lack of parking spaces in crowded streets, especially residential areas.
Several have also repeatedly urged for a new smart parking system, as they are more often than not, caught out without spare meter change in their pockets, signalling the need for advanced solutions that accept either card payments or BenefitPay to make things easier.
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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