Digital Parking Technology Transition. Is it worth it?

The City of Winston-Salem, North Carolina is modernising its downtown parking system with a digital parking technology transition resulting in a shift toward a digital payment system only.

The City is replacing all traditional meters and pay stations with a Pay-by-Phone system, allowing drivers to pay via app, website, or text. The move aims to cut costs on maintaining outdated infrastructure and provide flexibility for both users and city officials.

While this has major operational benefits from an authority's perspective, there are significant challenges and issues to consider. We are currently still in a digital transition with some users are not completely integrated into the digital world. All technologies have some sort of failure which will have unintended cost consequences (fines issued in error, administration processing of complaints).

Additionally, the collection of personal information can have significant consequences for government, corporations and the individuals affected. The terms and conditions you are agreeing to when paying for parking may not be clear with how your data is handled, and the repercussions associated with data breaches is generally unclear.

With any new technology, there will always be pro and cons, but how these are managed will determine the effectiveness of the system.

Positives	Negatives
💡 More convenient: Pay or extend time remotely	💰 Higher cost: Hourly rate tripled or more
🔧 Lower maintenance: No need to repair meters	📱 Digital access required: Not ideal for all user groups
📊 Dynamic pricing control: Easy to change zones/rates	⏳ Adjustment period: May confuse or frustrate some residents
📉 Cost-saving for city: Cheaper than replacing parking meters	📉 Ongoing service fees: Mobile system still has operational costs
📈 Increased revenue potential: Helps offset deficit	🧭 Potential impact on downtown business: Price hikes and payment methods may deter some users

Whether or not the system becomes a success, will ultimately be based on the users experience, how technical issues are addressed and how the City responds to these.

At Headway Traffic and Transport we have prepared parking studies, technology reviews and parking management strategies for our Clients. If you are looking to at ways to improve operational efficiency, reduce up front costs or want to obtain better data insights in how you may be able to repurpose parking, Contact us today!