The Impacts
The lack of clear parking guidance had a broader impact beyond the carpark itself, affecting drivers, local businesses, and council operations across the activity centre.
Key impacts included:
- Driver frustration, with motorists circulating longer than necessary or leaving the area due to a perceived lack of parking
- Increased congestion on surrounding streets, as drivers queued or searched for on-street spaces
- Underutilised parking assets, with available spaces remaining unused in nearby facilities
- Negative impact on local traders, as visitors were deterred from stopping or shortened their visits
- Reputational pressure on council, with parking perceived as inadequate despite sufficient capacity being available
These impacts reinforced the need for a solution that improved visibility and confidence in parking availability, rather than increasing physical parking supply.
The Solution
To address perception and wayfinding challenges, an OpenSpace parking guidance solution was implemented to provide clear visibility of available parking without the need for extensive wired infrastructure. The system delivers real-time occupancy information, allowing drivers to understand space availability before entering the carpark.
In addition, digital signage was installed along the main street, directing drivers toward the Bogong Avenue Carpark and nearby facilities. By extending parking information beyond the carpark itself, the solution improves awareness, reduces unnecessary circulation, and guides drivers directly to available spaces within the activity centre.
The Outcome
With the OpenSpace system and town-centre signage in place, drivers now have clear, real-time visibility of parking availability, reducing uncertainty and improving confidence when accessing the Glen Waverley activity centre. Vehicles are directed more efficiently to available spaces, easing congestion on surrounding streets and reducing unnecessary circulation.
The improved guidance has increased utilisation of existing parking assets, including previously underused facilities, while supporting local businesses by making parking easier and more accessible for visitors. For council, the solution delivers better performance from existing infrastructure, reduced parking-related complaints, and a more balanced, user-friendly parking environment without the need for additional construction.