High-tech parking pilot a hit with motorists

A NEW high-tech parking disc system launched experimentally in Limerick is proving a big hit with motorists.

Instead of punching holes in sheets of paper, the ParkMagic system is structured on a module the size of a cigarette box which is placed inside the front windscreen. A screen indicates the amount of parking credit held by the motorist.

Credit can be phoned into the unit with the use of a special credit card or by using an account number which can be opened with ParkMagic.

A report on the system was published yesterday after a three-month pilot test involving 400 motorists.

Said Paul Fitzgerald of ParkMagic: “One of the many advantages of the system is it enables a customer to phone up a credit onto the unit in a car if that person is delayed for one reason or another in getting back to the car. There is no rushing back to update a disc.”

The market analysis report conducted by the University of Limerick shows that motorists find the new system hugely beneficial.

Mr Fitzgerald said: “Up to 99% of all 400 participants in a pilot project said they would continue to use ParkMagic after the pilot phase and are asking when it will be made permanent in the city.

“In fact, the pilot has been so successful in Limerick that many other city and county councils both nationally and internationally have contacted us for information on rolling out ParkMagic in their areas.”

During the research the motorists were given free credit.

Mr Fitzgerald said: “Usage increased by 200% over the first two weeks and currently an average of 43% of motorists who use the system are activating it daily. In fact, 41% of drivers have already used all their free parking credit and have been to shops to top-up in order to keep using the system.”