Christchurch City Council, New Zealand
"The system will allow us to improve traffic flow in the central city. Previously, customers would queue outside car parks, causing chaos and congestion."
Situation
The CCC required a high-speed, reliable and cost-effective solution to improve traffic flow in the central city. In an effort to reduce unnecessary travel and improve parking occupancy, the Council wanted to provide real-time information on the supply of parking spaces in the off-street parking complexes around the central city.
To improve the city’s traffic flow, two car parking display signs were installed on the inner one-way system in the central city, which has been designated as the parking search route. Two more signs are planned at a later stage. The signs indicate whether the building is open or closed, provide the public with timely information on car parking availability and can provide route information in the event of a dramatic change to road conditions in the central city.
Response
In order to ensure a cost effective and reliable solution, wireless communications were needed between the display signs, the car parking buildings and Council chambers, so the Council approached Tait Communications to propose a radio communications solution.
The alternative was to physically install new phone lines and cables, which would involve additional setup costs and ongoing rental charges.
The eight car parking buildings now each have a programmable logic controller (PLC) and a TM8105 equipped with high speed data. The PLCs monitor gate openings and closings to the buildings, allowing the building operators to view the open/close status of any building and their occupancy rates.
The TM8105s provide a wireless high speed data link from the PLCs back to the Council chambers. The Council can also view and control the car parking system remotely. The TM8105 was the best solution for this system and has high speed data capabilities. The TM8105 has been designed with ultimate flexibility for system integration, and it has an expansive internal options area for customisation.
Outcomes
The Tait Communications solution has benefited both the public and the Council. The system ensures the CCC effectively manages traffic during peak times, such as Christmas, and reduces everyday congestion.
The CCC has used Tait Communications equipment for over 24 years and Tait Communications is the Council’s preferred radio supplier. Karen Scott, Team Leader for Off-Street Parking, said the Council is happy with the solution. “The system will allow us to improve traffic flow in the central city. Previously, customers would queue outside car parks, causing chaos and congestion.”
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