With or without barriers? Both parking solutions have their advantages and disadvantages. But which one offers the optimal balance between cost-efficiency in administration and meeting all requirements? In this article, we will compare both of the systems to help you make the right choice for your requirements.
Contents
1. Freeflow Parking Systems
Advantages of Freeflow Systems
Disadvantages of Freeflow Systems
2. Parking System with Barrieres
Disadvantages of barried systems
3. Key differences at a glance (infographic)
4. Conclusion
Freeflow Parking Systems
A Freeflow parking system is an innovative, barrier-free system which makes the parking process for parkers as well as the administration of the parking area for operators much more efficiently. These systems are ticketless and are based on automatic license plate recognition, therefore vehicles can enter and exit without problems.
Advantages of Freeflow systems
1. Reduced acquistion and maintenance costs
Since the Freeflow parking system does not require barrier installations, the often high costs for their acquisition and installation are eliminated. Additionally, there are no maintenance costs, such as repairing damaged barriers.
2. Ticketless
Freeflow systems are ticketless and rely on license plate recognition. This eliminates the need to replenish consumables like paper, and no failure-prone moving parts for ticket processing are required. As a result, the administrative and maintenance effort for parking operators is significantly reduced.
3. No 24/7 service required
With no physical barriers, exit is guaranteed at all times. This allows operators to save valuable personnel resources in the control room, as well as potential costs for an intercom system. Likewise, the Freeflow system at the Dachstein Krippenstein cable cars requires no additional staff for parking management.
4. Improved traffic flow and no backlog
Since vehicles don’t have to stop to open barriers or pull in or insert tickets, long wait times are avoided. This allows for quick entry and exit, preventing traffic jams.5. More comfort for parkers
The fast enter and exit without long waiting times or the risk to lose your ticket makes the parking process way easier and more comfortable for users.
Disadvantages of Freeflow systems
1. No management of parking quotas possible
In a barrier-free system, it is not possible to reserve parking spaces for specific user groups. Depending on requirements and circumstances, this may pose a challenge for certain operators or specific use cases.
2. No distinct parking zones within the same facility possible
Additionally, an unbarriered area cannot be divided into individual zones unless barriers are installed between the zones. However, this could limit the flexibility and the core benefits of a Freeflow system.
3. Non-payers are not prevented from exiting
Without a physical barrier, parking users cannot be stopped from leaving without paying. However, in our experience, most drivers are willing to pay when convenient payment options are provided. Only a few intentionally take advantage of the situation.
To minimize the number of non-payers, clear signage is crucial, ensuring that users are aware that parking is fee-based.
Equally important is the dunning process for parking violations to avoid revenue loss as an operator. Some providers, like Arivo, offer an enforcement service for this purpose.
Are you interested in or have questions about Arivo's Freeflow solution? Please contact us. We will discuss your requirements together. Contact Arivo now
Parking Systems with Barriers
In barriered parking systems, entry and exit are controlled by barriers, which typically open automatically and are part of either a traditional ticket system or a modern ticketless system.
Over the past decades, barrier systems have been a standard in parking management, so many users are still accustomed to them.
Advantages of barrier systems
1. Parking zones and quotas are possible
Barried systems allow for the division of parking areas into different zones and management of parking quotas. This means spaces can be reserved for regular parkers, employees, or specific user groups.
2. Exit without payment is not possible
Depending on the system, barriers only open after confirming that parking fees have been paid. Non-payers are simply unable to exit due to the physical barrier.
3. Physical barrier = visual signal for fees
A barrier clearly indicates that parking is subject to a fee at a glance.
4. Barriered systems can also be ticketless
Parking systems with barriers can also be equipped with ticketless systems and license plate recognition. This greatly simplifies operations, as no tickets need to be refilled. Additionally, a large part of the maintenance is eliminated, since no malfunction-prone, moving parts for ticket handling are installed in the system!
Are you interested in or have questions about Arivo's barred parking solution? Please contact us. We will discuss your requirements together. Contact Arivo now
Disadvantages of barrier systems
1. Higher acquisition and maintenance costs
Barriers and associated technology incur costs for purchase and installation. They also require regular maintenance and repair costs in case of failures. However, maintenance costs are lower than many assume, typically ranging from €200-500 annually.2. Higher personnel costs due to 24/7 on call requirement
In case of technical problems that prevent exit, an emergency contact must be available around the clock, leading to significant additional personnel and financial costs.
3. Potential delays & backlog during peak times
During peak times, long queues can form, hinder traffic flow and causing frustration for users, particularly when many users wish to leave simultaneously.
Key differences at a glance
Here’s a summary of all the essential features and differences between parking solutions with and without barriers:
Whether a freeflow system or a barrier system is more suitable for your parking area depends on the individual requirements and circumstances.
If you would prefer to get advice from someone with experience with both systems - freeflow and barriered - we are happy to help you at any time. Together we will discuss your specific use case and find the right solution for you. Contact Arivo now
Conclusion
In summary, both parking systems—Freeflow and barriered—have their specific advantages and disadvantages.
- Freeflow systems are modern and efficient as they reduce operational costs, do not require a physical barrier and do not require constant on-call staff. However, care must be taken to dun parking violations and non-payers to avoid lost revenue.
- Barriered parking systems, on the other hand, offer more control through the management of parking zones and quotas. Barriers clearly indicate that parking is subject to payment and prevent people from leaving without paying. The disadvantage, however, is higher costs and the need for 24-hour emergency service.
Ultimately, the choice of the right system depends on the individual requirements of the operator and the respective parking area. A thorough analysis is therefore essential in order to make the right decision. A thorough analysis of the requirements is essential in order to make the right choice.
Whether freeflow or barrier - we at Arivo offer both. Our experts will be happy to advise you to find the ideal system for your parking area. Send us an inquiry today!
