Parking and toll management system: optimize parking and secure access

Parking lots are among the most difficult public spaces to manage and secure against inappropriate use and unauthorized parking. That’s why we see parking management systems becoming an absolute necessity for businesses and public institutions.

An effective parking management system offers much more than just security. In particular, these solutions optimize the use of available space while ensuring accurate monitoring of entries and exits. Thanks to advanced technologies, a single camera can now manage up to 100 parking spaces, with a recognition rate of over 98%. In this article, we present the essential components and innovations that are transforming the way parking lots are managed and secured.

Essential components of a parking management system

A modern parking management system relies on two fundamental components to ensure its operational efficiency. These elements work in synergy to optimize parking space management.

Access control system

Automatic barriers

Automatic barriers are the first line of defense in securing parking lot access. In particular, these automated devices enable effective control of entrances and exits without the need for constant human presence. ACCOR EMEA offers modern automatic barriers with brushless motors that are designed for intensive use and integrate perfectly with all types of electronic access control systems on the market.

The type of electronic access control system used to issue parking passes depends on how the parking spaces are operated.

User management

For a parking lot operated by visitors, it’s possible to opt for a ticket-based access control system.

ACCOR EMEA’s basic solution consists of installing a ticket printer on site (e.g. next to a checkout if the site is a store) and a ticket scanner at the parking lot exit.

To exit the site, users must request a ticket from the manager, and present this in front of the scanner at the exit to open the barrier. 

For more complex management of a parking lot that is used by both visitors and regular users, ACCOR EMEA offers a solution that is capable of managing both visitors (customers) and regular users (employees, service providers, etc.) of the site at the same time.

The solution includes basic equipment:

• Entrance terminal with ticket dispenser (for visitors) and badge reader (for regular users and subscribers)
• Exit terminal with ticket scanner (for visitors) and badge reader (for regular users and subscribers) 

License plate reading

It is also possible to have an access control system using license plate reading cameras. 

The principle of the solution is to place LPM (license plate reading) cameras at the entrance and exit of the parking lot. Only the license plates of vehicles registered in the system are authorized to enter and leave the parking lot. 

ACCOR EMEA can also supply plate-reading cameras with analysis managed by artificial intelligence. Vehicles will be checked by license plate, model, make and color, to prevent fraudulent identification attempts.

  Parking space management 

To avoid overloading parking spaces, and to ensure smooth parking management, it is essential to implement a parking space metering solution.

There are generally two types of parking space metering solutions:

Overall count

This solution involves counting all vehicles entering and leaving the parking lot, and displaying the number of free spaces remaining on a display at the entrance.

The following is an example of the « all-in-one » display that ACCOR EMEA offers its customers. This display incorporates a differential counter for counting the number of parking spaces in a parking lot. It displays the number of free spaces in green and « FULL » in red.

Counting in place

Detection sensors are the heart of the surveillance system. These devices, installed in each parking space, use different technologies such as magnetic or ultrasonic sensors to detect the presence of vehicles with over 99% reliability.

This solution is connected to panels displaying the number of free spaces, enabling all types of vehicle (light, 4×4, heavy goods vehicle…) to be detected.

 Connected to a management server, it provides real-time :

• Parking lot occupancy rate
• Information on parking times
• Visitor trends

This type of counting system is also a space guidance system, making it considerably easier to find a free parking space in the parking lot.

Connected to variable message signs (VMS) that display rapidly updated parking space information, this system can be used for multi-level parking lots to direct drivers to the least busy level.

Integrated payment system

The integration of modern parking payment solutions greatly facilitates the financial management of parking facilities in public squares and supermarkets. Scan&Go payment terminals offer a plug & play solution, compatible with the ticket dispenser and scanner terminals mentioned above. They enable users to pay for their parking using a variety of payment methods: credit cards, coins, banknotes and even smartphone payments.

Available as a pay-on-foot or pay-in-vehicle version. These parking payment management systems guarantee a seamless experience for visitors and simplify administration for managers.

Conclusion

Modern parking management systems are now an essential part of any parking infrastructure. In particular, these solutions offer an effective combination of enhanced security and space optimization.

The integration of advanced technologies, particularly automated barriers, intelligent sensors and dematerialized payment systems, radically transforms the user experience. Drivers benefit from smoother parking, while managers benefit from powerful tools to monitor and optimize their facilities.