Smart digital parking signage to be trialled in New South Wales

Transport for New South Wales will commence a trial run of new digital parking and clearway signage in select locations of Sydney’s CBD.

‘Smart Signage’ digital displays will replace existing parking and clearway signs on Chalmers Street, Surry Hills between Cleveland Street and Devonshire Street from 21 November, able to show current and upcoming parking restrictions with real-time information.

The signs will “improve kerbside customer information and reduce congestion in key traffic locations”, according to Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW).

Minister for Metropolitan Roads Natalie Ward explained, “The aim of this trial is to make deciphering messages on parking signs easy. Smart Signage will replace confusing parking, clearway and bus zone signs with one simple, digital sign that is updated and monitored remotely."

Above and top of story: Smart Signage screen and diagram. Images supplied by TfNSW.

“Not only will this technology potentially reduce parking fines, putting money back in people’s pockets, but it will also help prevent accidental parking in clearways, which adds greatly to congestion.”

Trailing of Smart Signage will run for up to 18 months in the first location, with another on ‘Elizabeth Street, CBD between Park Street and Liverpool Street’ already in the works. A survey of motorists will assess the success of the initiative(s).

The Smart Signage will be tested as part of the larger Smart Technology Corridors Program, which also uses Intelligent Traffic Lights Program, Drones and Virtual VMS Program, and a Smart Motorways Program to reduce travel time, improve journey reliability, save on vehicle operating costs, reduce emissions and provide a greater focus on pedestrians, at a cost of $695m.