PR346_P40-41_Tech.qxp_PR346_p40-41 08/02/2021 18:55 Page 40
PARKING TECHNOLOGY
Rail travellers can park now, pay later... RingGo phone service links with Sagoss ANPR at SWR rail stations Enforcement cameras at South Western Railway (SWR) station car parks have been linked to a phone parking system to offer drivers a more seamless payment experience. On 5 January cashless parking provider RingGo launched PARK NOW PayLater at 59 stations across the SWR network. South Western operates commuter services from London Waterloo to south-west London, Surrey, Hampshire and Dorset, and regional services in Devon, Somerset, Berkshire and Wiltshire. The cashless parking system is designed to reduce the stress that comes with parking in timesensitive situations, such as when travelling by rail, by giving motorists extra time to pay for their parking. PARK NOW PayLater allows drivers to either start a session as they park or, if they are in the rush, to pay in arrears after have they parked and are on-board a train. Cars parked at many SWR stations can now be tracked using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras provided Sagoss. The cameras automatically identify the time at which a vehicle enters or exits a car park. Drivers who have downloaded the RingGo app choose the correct SWR location, see the time they entered the car park has been logged and then pay for
The PARK NOW PayLater option
Sunderland offers cashless parking option Sunderland City Council is now offering the RingGo cashless phone service as an alternative to paying for parking at machines. The cashless service will be promoted through ‘how to register’ videos, social media images tailored for each customer and a customised app screen that showcases Sunderland’s pier and lighthouse as the chosen landmark. In addition, RingGo and Sunderland City Council will be promoting the transfer of service via radio, electronic traffic signs and out of home promotions. The council said motorists could reduce exposure to COVID-19 by using their phone to park. Cllr Paul
Stewart, deputy leader at Sunderland City Council, said: “We are pleased to be moving to a phone parking solution, especially during these times when many motorists are wary of touching machines due to COVID-19. “In this day and age, cashless parking plays a vital part in supporting the safety and security of both residents and visitors, so this transfer to RingGo could not have come at a better time.” RingGo said it had a record year in 2020, with a dozen councils switching from an alternative solution to RingGo. Peter O’Driscoll, managing director of RingGo said: “The launch with Sunderland City
40 | FEBRUARY 2021 | PARKING REVIEW
A bagged P&D machine Council speaks volumes of our work and commitment to making parking simpler and safer for drivers.
their parking whilst on the go. RingGo has worked with several parking operators to connect ANPR systems to its payment functions. In December 2020, Ashford Borough Council launched a RingGo Sagoss ANPR-enabled barrier parking solution. RingGo delivered the integrated solution in just four working days, enabling the council to provide a seamless barriered parking payment experience for drivers. ANPR systems can also be integrated with RingGo’s virtual permit system. Last year RingGo assisted in the launch of a Low Traffic Neighbourhood (LTN) scheme by the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham. The LTN uses paperless parking permits issued via RingGo and ANPR cameras to enforce reduced traffic in the local area. RingGo has also assisted in the roll-out of ANPR solutions across the London Borough of Merton, where the cameras are being used in zones around schools to help alleviate congestion issues. Peter O’Driscoll, managing director of RingGo, said: “RingGo is always looking for ways to make parking easier for drivers and local authorities. Leveraging ANPR systems for parking solutions helps make journeys more convenient for drivers and more manageable for local authorities. We’re hoping 2021 will be a year where we can expand our ANPR solutions and help councils to become more streamlined and technologically-enabled.” “Throughout the pandemic, RingGo has been working directly with local authorities and parking operators to ensure they can safely support the needs of motorists and employees. Having successfully delivered 12 transitions throughout 2020, this launch definitely sets us up in a strong position to take on 2021.” The 12 transitions of service in 2020 from alternative solutions to RingGo included Dartford, Buckinghamshire, Ashford, the London Borough of Havering, Salford, Bradford, Devon County, Exeter, Windsor, Teignbridge, Leeds and Winchester. RingGo is part of the PARK NOW Group, jointly owned by BMW Group and Daimler AG.
