For nearly three years, a smart parking system has been operating in Pécs as part of the HungAIRy LIFE Integrated Project. This system has modernized local transportation, making it more comfortable and less polluting. The following article provides an overview of the main features of the Parker mobile application – which is the core of the smart parking system – especially for those who haven't used it yet. We’ll also cover the supplementary information displays that support the system.

Simple and Innovative

Many residents are already familiar with how Pécs’ smart parking system, established in August 2022, works: intelligent sensors monitor parking spaces and transmit real-time data to users. Thanks to over 710 sensors (69 more than originally planned in the project) and 5 information displays installed at key downtown locations, finding a parking spot is now much easier for both locals and visitors.

While simple to use, the system is technologically innovative. The embedded sensors detect whether a parking space is occupied or vacant, and this information is instantly displayed via a user-friendly mobile app designed specifically for this purpose. These are complemented by information displays along major routes to parking areas, showing the number of available spaces.

The Parker Application

Below is a summary of the most important and useful features of the Parker app:

• In the Parker app (developed by Smart Lynx), green dots indicate free parking spaces, while red dots show occupied ones. This helps drivers find and navigate directly to available spots, saving time and unnecessary driving. Ultimately, this contributes to reduced downtown traffic and improved air quality.
• The app provides up-to-date information on parking occupancy at all times.*
• Users can configure the app to display parking zones, disabled parking spaces, loading zones, or electric charging stations.
• Built-in navigation helps drivers reach their selected parking space.
• After setting a few parameters, users can also initiate parking fee payments via SMS (provided they are eligible for SMS-based payment).
• The app is available in both Hungarian and English.
• Parker is free to download for smartphones using Android or iOS operating systems.

Information Displays

The smart parking system is also supported by information displays. A total of seven digital signs provide real-time data on available parking spots in the downtown area. These displays help drivers avoid unnecessary searching, fuel consumption, and emissions. Displayed information appears in two colors: a red zero indicates no availability, while a green number shows available spaces. However, the displays only show the number of free spaces—not their exact locations.

There are seven displays at four locations throughout Pécs:

• Nagy Lajos király Road – Centrum Parking area: Two signs display available spaces in the Centrum car park.
• Rákóczi Road – Váradi Antal Street: Indicates availability in the Váradi Antal, Eötvös József, Dischka Győző, Zrínyi Miklós, and Jókai Mór Streets.
• Hal Square – Rákóczi Road intersection: Two signs display spaces in Tímár, Fürdő, Goldmark Károly, Toldi Miklós, Munkácsy Mihály, Perczel Miklós, Gábor, Bercsényi János, and Lyceum Streets.
• Felsőmalom Street – Route 6 intersection: Displays available spaces in Tímár, Fürdő, Goldmark Károly, Toldi Miklós, Munkácsy Mihály, Perczel Miklós, Gábor, Bercsényi Miklós, Lyceum, Felsőmalom, and Király Streets.

As previously reported, smart parking is gaining popularity in the city. Growing user demand has led to calls for an expansion of the system. The company operating and supervising the system, Biokom, has developed a concrete, multi-phase expansion plan. Starting from the city center, they aim to extend coverage to areas such as Móricz Zsigmond Square and its surroundings, as well as the Rét Street and Garai Street neighborhoods.

Source: pecsma.hu (Dávid Pernecker)