A unique project in Belgium was introduced this week. As of March 2010 a Parking Guidance & Information system will be fully operational to improve traffic efficiency in and near the city of Kortrijk. For Traficon, it's the first time to be involved in such a Parking Guidance & Information system project.

What is a Parking Guidance & Information system?

Parking Guidance and Information (PGI) systems present drivers with dynamic information on parking within controlled areas. PGI systems combine traffic monitoring, communication, processing and variable message sign technologies to provide the service.

PGI systems are designed to aid the driver in the search for vacant parking spaces by directing him to car parks where occupancy levels are low. The objective is to reduce search time, which in turn reduces congestion on the surrounding roads for other traffic with related benefits to air pollution and with the ultimate aim of enhancement of the urban area.

The Kortrijk-case

Via 36 dynamic message signs visitors of Kortrijk city will be informed in real-time about the free spaces at the 7 different parking lots. In case a parking lot is full these intelligent signs will guide the driver to the nearest alternative parking lot. Also, in case of a traffic queue or a blocked road (due to an accident) the road user will be offered an alternative route via these message signs.

The traffic data delivered to these intelligent & dynamic signs is provided by Traficon. Six TrafiCam Collect-R sensors positioned at different strategic locations gather data on traffic flow and traffic density. These data are then transferred wireless via modem to the Parko control center from where traffic route or parking alternatives are (de)activated automatically.

Koen Soenens, International Sales Manager at Traficon:

"What really makes this project unique is that this system needs to be operational in a city environment. Normally most of these PGI systems are used outside the city center, trying to keep traffic outside the city center. Next to that, for us, it is also a special project because Kortrijk is where our headquarters are. And of course, it's always nice to be chosen as preferred partner in your home town!"

This project is a joint realisation of Parko, Flow, Vialis and Traficon.

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