There is NO reason you need to touch a parking machine ever again!
The answer is to go mobile app.
Almost every parking company in the world has a Parking mobile app now such as ParkMate.
In my last article, I spoke about whether parking cash payments are doomed - (https://bit.ly/2WlaT2J).
The reason I asked this question is that we know that cash carries a huge amount of germs, bugs and pathogens and they last a long time on paper money. However, for some people, even the most vulnerable amongst us, the changes may be more about breaking a habit or that we might be of the age where technology overwhelms us.
Parking payments machines now should have not only have an actual person cleaning these machines regularly, which most are for your customers confidence in you. Even in the partially closed mall where I utilise the supermarket - I have seen the staff cleaning the touch screens. You must also tell the public when the machines are cleaned and how often - this I have NOT seen yet anywhere. The confidence of the public is important now as it has had a battering. This could be a simple sticker with date and time marked on it, stuck to the front of the machine to show you are at least thinking about the public safety. I'm sure there are better methods out there but the messaging is important.
Of course a better method altogether is to replace the automatic payment points with a Parking app.
'Use our Parking App and don't get the virus'.
This situation with COVID-19 is moving so fast now that after reviewing a number of parking apps, not a single one states that a good reason to use the app is to protect yourself from the COVID-19 virus or any other icky virus thing. This will change of course as we all go back to work, start to park our cars again and buyers like municipalities, airports, Hospitals and other major providers start to tweak their messages to offer comfort to the public.
Parking apps are the best way to keep your 2 meters away in any queue or any unhygienic touch screen. You make your payment in your car and stay in your bubble.
Kevin Warwood
Parking Consultant
Wilson Group
#contactless #covid19 #socialdistancing #disasterrecoveryplan #Healthcareparking #parking #postcovid #timesarechanging #newnormal #Parkmate
Advisor and Investor | Leader in Ai Tech Innovation and Business Growth
4yagree , but cash is still needed at some locations but machines could be voice activated and use only bill dispensers for change and not recycle bills inserted by customers. Phone apps are good for CVD 19 but does not offer security of matching plates with cars . Its a great combination with LPR. No machines just registered cars so no stopping needed and app not needed.