The search for free parking spaces causes additional traffic and unnecessary emissions in many cities. The KoPaS (Cooperative Parking in Cities) research project is investigating how real-time networked parking information can better support road users in their search for parking spaces, thereby reducing traffic caused by parking searches.

This project is the first to develop and test C-ITS services for urban parking. Vehicles and infrastructure exchange standardized information on parking availability and terms of use right where decisions are made: in the vehicle. Field trials in Graz, Klagenfurt, and Salzburg, as well as supplementary data simulations, demonstrate how parking information can be utilized to enhance the efficiency and environmental friendliness of traffic management.

Online survey: What parking information is really helpful?

One of KoPaS’s main goals is to design parking information that is helpful in everyday life. To this end, the project is inviting participants to take part in an online survey. The survey focuses on the following questions:

• What information is needed when searching for a parking space?
• When is this information useful?
• How should parking information be displayed in the vehicle?

This survey is aimed at people who regularly travel by car. It takes 5-10 minutes to complete and is completely anonymous.

Participate in the survey now: https://srfg.at/kopas-umfrage

From digital parking data to clear in-vehicle displays

In order to use parking information automatically, a digital, machine-readable map of parking spaces is required. KoPaS is investigating various approaches to creating such registers, such as using existing traffic sign registers or partially automating the collection of data using mobile mapping vehicles. Methods are also being tested to dynamically derive parking availability, including the use of vehicle-mounted sensors.

At the same time, the project is developing information and visualization concepts to provide road users with step-by-step support, from an overview of the current parking situation in the city to specific information on the terms of use for individual parking spaces.

Project information

For the first time, KoPaS (Cooperative Parking in Cities) is developing, testing, and evaluating C-ITS services for urban parking in Austria. The project is funded by the Austrian Research Promotion Agency (FFG) as part of its Zero Emission Mobility program.

More information:

• Project information: KoPaS – Cooperative parking in cities
• Press release: Weniger Parksuchverkehr durch vernetzte Echtzeit-Parkinformation: Jetzt an Umfrage teilnehmen