The Church Street precinct in Melbourne’s beachside suburb of Brighton is a shopping, dining and business hub just minutes from the beach. Its selection of over 200 retailers and eateries is a drawcard for locals and visitors alike, attracting plenty of custom throughout the year.

When Bayside City Council observed that despite there being numerous parking facilities within walking distance of the precinct’s main thoroughfare, congestion on Church Street as visitors slowed in search of a parking bay was problematic. They knew they wanted a green, future-focused solution that contributed to the quality of life of its community and revitalised precinct activity.

That’s when parking industry experts, Duncan Solutions and Park Agility put their heads together to deliver a dynamic, smart city solution incorporating sensors, wayfinding, and precinct signage that reduces traffic stress and congestion, acts as a gateway to Bayside and positions Brighton as an easy destination to visit and enjoy.

Working closely with Council’s traffic engineers, Park Agility used their experience to provide a tailored signage solution that would better manage precinct traffic diversions prior to arrival on busy Church Street. Using a total of ten dynamic wayfinding signs, drivers are guided around the main road with clear indication of the number and location of available parking bays in the precinct. In addition to easing traffic, this ensures surrounding parking facilities are being optimised.

Responding to Council’s community consultation process, the design of the signage was adjusted to align with public feedback and the aesthetic of the surrounding area. In addition, each of the ten wayfinding signs are powered exclusively by solar, to meet with Council’s green technology initiatives.

In real time, Park Agility’s SenseIQ precinct signage server collects data from the bay sensors provided by Duncan Solutions, sharing accurate and up to date parking guidance information with motorists. This allows drivers to locate an available parking space confidently and quickly, reducing circling, congestion and emissions. It also offers a vastly improved customer experience within the popular Church Street precinct to encourage return visits.

The solar powered element of the wayfinding signage used in this project allows for signs to be added or relocated without the need to implement costly and time-consuming power connections or disturb the environment during installation. It also ensures an ongoing renewable, clean source of electricity that reduces emissions and offers lower operating costs.

In addition, there is flexibility in how the system can be used well into the future. As needed, additional signage and carpark facilities can be added regardless of asset ownership.  Should car parking facilities need to be removed from the existing system, this is also easily modified.  

This parking guidance system can also be tailored when required to respond to changing traffic zones and parking limits. For example, should a section of the precinct be deemed a loading zone between certain hours, outside of these times the space can be programmed to be added to the available parking tally that is displayed. This ensures parking facility management is streamlined and parking income is optimised in a high-demand area.

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