Here's a story from this week's Bronx Press.
By Brendan McHugh
 |
| DOT hopes the senors can withstand the New York weather and traffic conditions. |
Need
a parking spot? There may soon be an app for that.
If
the technology proves durable, drivers in the Bronx will be the first to find
parking spots by checking their smartphones.
Hockey
puck sized sensors were drilled into the streets near Arthur Avenue last week
in 177 parking spaces on both sides of 187th Street in Belmont. If they can
survive the harsh weather conditions of New York for the next three months,
motorists will be able to download a free application on their phones to find
vacant parking spots.
"We
are making it easier for drivers to park. We are actually piloting new
technology that will bring parking information into the palm of your
hand," said Janette Sadik-Khan, the NYC DOT Commissioner.
“There are benefits, not only to drivers but
to the surrounding community,” she said. “You’re relieving the congestion and
pollution associated with those people who are cruising around looking for
parking.”
The app will tell drivers if there are a high
number of open spaces, if it is beginning to fill up, or if there are virtually
no spots available.
Sadik-Khan said they haven’t figured out how
drivers will use the app while driving; using a mobile device not physically
connected to the car is illegal in New York.
“Right now we’re just testing the equipment,”
she said. “The parking app has worked in other cities that have done it.”
