Car Counting Systems – The OpenSpace System
Update your parking revenue control system to touchless and contactless.
Talk to Parcsafe today to discover your options.
Understand how drivers are using your car park facility
Car counting systems are designed to count vehicles as they enter and exit an off-street car park. There are two types of car counting
- Individual bay counting (such as the BayPod system)
- Zone based counting (the OpenSpace system) for open spaces within a car park
OpenSpace is a highly innovative system that uses the latest magnetometer technology and remote connectivity to deliver highly accurate real-time occupancy counts, by calculating vehicles that enter and exit.
This data is sent to the cloud where it can be viewed on an interactive dashboard, used in reports, or even sent to apps or websites through an Open API. Data can also be sent to dynamic wayfinding signage, whether it be local or remote.
It’s a “set and forget” system featuring simple installation, with no maintenance required.
How do car counting systems work?
The OpenSpace system works through unique and specialised technologies. Vehicle counts are collected by magnetometer sensors, which are mounted in recycled rubber speed bumps. This offers a number of benefits:
- Accuracy levels of over 99.9%
- Long-life battery of 3-5 years
- No set up required: just bolt down and walk away
- Can be mounted in the entry and exit lanes of the car park to collect all vehicle ingress/egress numbers
- Can be unidirectional or bidirectional
Data collected by the sponsors is sent to a repeater or nearby sign via Bluetooth, which acts as a gateway and stores information in the cloud. This data can be viewed via the interactive dashboard accessed via a webpage.
The system offers:
- This includes printing over 19 standard reports + custom options
- Real-time viewing of car park occupancy
- Can view multiple sites at once, particularly useful for councils or universities
- Can receive and set alerts and alarms (lost communications, full car park, etc).
- Configure signs to automatically adjust to custom messages when the car park reaches a specific occupancy
- Set up APIs and webhooks
Which facilities can benefit from a car counting system?
The OpenSpace system is ideal for:
- Off-street council car parks
- University car parks
- Large shopping centre car parks
- Hospital and airport car parks
- National parks and remote car park facilities
Car counting systems are ideal for understanding the data of your car park. They help guide drivers in larger car parks, where individual bay monitoring can be cost-prohibitive.
Why choose a car counting system?
OpenSpace is an off-grid solution, with no need for power or local data services. This means it can be installed anywhere on any road surface. Note that large wayfinding signs (if installed) may require power.
The sensor technology uses highly reliable magnetometers with long-life batteries. This means that, unlike other technologies such as loop detectors, cameras, or overhead lane sensors, they will not be affected by weather, passing heavy vehicles, or power outages.
-
- Extremely fast installation, generally in just a matter of hours
- Service-free with no ongoing maintenance. Note there is a data hosting cost
- Open API that can connect to future systems
- Future proof for a smart parking world
The benefits of car counting systems for car park operators
When you install an OpenSpace car counting system in your car park, you’ll benefit from:
- Instant knowledge and credible data on car park occupancy – no more need for guesswork!
- Reports for decision making, such as if you need additional facilities for Easter or Christmas parking
- Raises awareness of car park spaces for drivers thanks to connection with apps and websites
- Lowers complaints from drivers about lack of parking
- Decreases emissions, as people spend less time looking for parking
- Increased safety, less congestion
The benefits of car counting systems for drivers
With an OpenSpace car counting system in your car park, drivers will enjoy:
- Reduced time spent looking for parking, and easier navigation
- Less frustration and stress
- Increased knowledge of your parking, both before leaving home and before entering your facility
- Reduced traffic congestion
Car counting system components
Sensors
- Inserted into 100% recycled rubber speed bumps for additional safety
- 3-5 years long life battery
- Simple installation, bolt down or pin-down
- Can be installed to any surface
- Extremely hard wearing – IP69K
- Communicates via Bluetooth to sign or repeater
Repeater
- Acts as gateway for data to store on the cloud
- Portable
- Solar powered
- Can be set up in minutes
- Needs to be within 15 metres of sensors
Signage
- Can double as a repeater if close to sensors
- Solar powered (large signs require constant AC power)
- Completely customisable face livery to client requirements
- Real-time dynamic occupancy or can display custom messages such as FULL, OPEN, CLOSED, HELLO, etc.
Logix on Cloud
- Website portal that can be accessed from anywhere
- Instant viewing of car park occupancy
- Great for multiple car parks, including adding on additional lots in the future
- Provides reports and alerts
- Settings for car parks, operations of signs and custom messages
Frequently Asked Questions
How reliable is the car counting data from the OpenSpace System?
The OpenSpace System is highly reliable, utilising state-of-the-art technology to ensure accurate vehicle counts. Continuous updates and maintenance further enhance its precision and reliability over time.
How quickly can the OpenSpace System be deployed in a new facility?
Deployment timelines can vary based on the size and complexity of the parking facility. Still, our streamlined installation process and experienced team enable rapid deployment, often completing system setup and calibration within a few days to minimise disruption.
Are there any training requirements for staff to operate the OpenSpace System?
The OpenSpace System is user-friendly and designed for easy operation. We provide comprehensive training for staff, covering system management, data interpretation, and troubleshooting to ensure your team is fully equipped to leverage the system’s capabilities.
How does the OpenSpace System handle data privacy and security?
The system employs advanced encryption and secure data transmission methods to protect user and parking data. Additionally, it is compliant with relevant data protection regulations, ensuring all collected information is handled with the utmost confidentiality.
