Page 18 - Campus Security & Life Safety, May/June 2022

Traffic Management
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manually key in the information into a handheld device, and then print and place a ticket on a car’s windshield. This approach is time- consuming and can even disrupt traffic flow while people are distracted by this activity or forced to drive around a double-parked enforcement car. It can also leave an officer vulnerable to disrespectful encounters.
Today, traditional parking enforcement methods such as physical permits, pay and display meters, and paper tickets are being replaced by more efficient ALPR systems. These systems provide virtual permits and digital enforcement based on license plate identification, removing physical and manual activities. They help identify more violations in less time while leading to better compliance and effective safety controls. Once an infraction is verified, a ticket is mailed to a driver. Integration with a payment system allows for efficient payment processing.
Another tactic for lightening enforcement duties is to lessen the demand for parking. Parking demand can be curbed by making the cost of parking passes roughly equivalent to the cost of public transportation. This encourages people to change their behavior and park elsewhere. It can be an effective way to reduce both traffic and occupancy rates and increase vehicular and pedestrian safety. Some flexibility in parking payments can also be established with higher fines for late payments. For example, if a driver doesn’t pay within 48 hours, they pay a higher price. This can encourage prompt payment and compliance as well.
Try Some Untraditional Methods
Many traffic managers have had time to rethink operations over the last few years and explore new methods to improve traffic flow and parking. For example, some campuses are rolling out systems that give drivers the option to pay for event parking in advance, on entry, or after an event. Paying for parking after an event is a newer approach. ALPR systems can identify vehicles that have not yet paid
for parking. Post-event parking invoices can then be sent to drivers. By giving drivers the option to pay when they want, the experience is tailored to their needs. Post-event parking may even put people inside a venue sooner and lead to more revenue from concessions. It can be advertised in a variety of ways, including through digital signage and event apps.
Apps are also evolving beyond road alerts and mapping to enable drivers to reserve parking spots in advance based on current occupancy rates. These commuter apps help reduce parking demand and congestion by taking advantage of open parking or even encouraging people to park off-campus at times of high demand. These apps can be tied to commuter benefit perks offered by organizations.
Some campuses are instituting discounted parking based on the number of people in a vehicle. This increases the density of people per parking space and frees more slots. Prime parking spots may be reserved for these vehicles. This approach encourages sustainable choices that can be attractive for commuters and organizations.
Innovative parking and traffic flow options will continue to emerge as traffic and parking managers gain a holistic approach to gathering and measuring data and sharing it with the public. A unified digital portfolio that can facilitate the ongoing integration of new technology to “measure, inform, and enforce” is a key consideration. A flexible, scalable technology platform helps organizations expand their operations easily and respond to evolving demands while creating a safer, more frictionless environment for campus visitors and employees.
Michael Bradner is the Product Manager for Parking Solutions at Genetec. He works with end-users, channel partners, and technology partners to deliver cutting-edge technology to provide an enhanced user experience in the parking and curb management industry.
18 campuslifesecurity.com | MAY/JUNE 2022