Introducing a paid parking program

By
Lindsay Wright
Updated on
April 9, 2024

Introducing a paid parking program from scratch doesn’t have to be complicated. Even though there might be bumps in the road or potential resistance from residents and visitors, you don't have to go through the process alone. With HotSpot as your partner, you can navigate this change smoothly and effectively.

HotSpot offers industry-leading client experience and support, drawing from extensive experience implementing and advising on paid parking programs in over 100 cities and towns across North America. With HotSpot by your side, you can rest assured that any challenges that arise will be resolved together.

 

Barriers to adoption

Implementing a brand new parking program does come with challenges. One of the primary concerns that HotSpot sees is drivers seeking free parking alternatives, such as parking in residential areas and avoiding payment.

This leads to increased traffic on side streets, and frustration for residents that they cannot park near their homes. HotSpot has a tried-and-true solution to mitigate these issues. We have successfully introduced free virtual parking permits for residents, so that they can register their vehicles and prevent issues securing a space.

 

Communication is key

A lot of the barriers to introducing a paid parking program can be overcome with effective communication. Start sharing updates well in advance of launch to increase adoption from the start. Drivers may not comply with paid parking if they are unaware of the change in policy.

 

To address these concerns, HotSpot recommends a three-stage approach:

1.     Clear communication should be provided well in advance of program launch.

2.     Implement signage explaining paid parking areas in advance of launch. Share digital maps to display the paid parking areas on municipal websites, and in-app to enhance transparency and accessibility.

3.     When the program launches, issue warning tickets at first to educate the drivers before starting traditional enforcement measures.

 

Next steps

HotSpot is committed to ensuring the success of your parking program. With our best-in-class customer support and industry expertise, we will work with you every step of the way to address any challenges and ultimately maximize your revenue potential.

By partnering with HotSpot, you can trust our in-house support team to handle and resolve any driver inquiries. This frees up your administrative team to focus on more pressing matters. Let’s enhance the overall parking experience together.

Lindsay Wright
Lindsay is a Product Marketing Specialist at Arcadis who is passionate about a digital-first approach to parking. Lindsay brings her experience in marketing and communications, creativity, and innovation to help the HotSpot team introduce infrastructure-light parking programs in cities around the world.