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Streetline Networks is trying to solve the big question for drivers in cities–where is that nearby parking space? They make traffic control technology that makes it tougher to park cheaper or get away with not feeding the meter. Streamline's applications lets parking authorities identify crowded streets and raise parking-meter charges at a block level. The concept is to encourage drivers to park in a parking lot, or seek a space in a less-crowded neighborhood. San Francisco, Sausilito and Los Angeles are installing the technology.
Low powered magnetic sensors are embedded in roads to detect cars in parking spots or moving. The real-time data is transmitted to receivers in traffic control boxes, then sent onto city parking managers. If a street has high traffic and no parking spaces, San Francisco may raise the meter rates to as much as $6 per hour. The prices will register on the meter and on the city's web site. In early tests, the system paid for itself in two months, primarily due to new parking tickets issued.
The technology could also be adapted to help trucking companies better manage inner city deliveries and reduce double parking because cars are parked in loading zones. Using the real-time traffic data, trucks could also be routed away from traffic congestion.
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