To keep non-payment rates as low as possible in barriere-free parking areas, several strategies and measures can be employed. Here are a few practical tips to encourage payment compliance and reduce parking violations in car parks, underground garages or open parking areas.
Inhalt
Loss of Revenue from Unpaid Parking in Barrier-less Parking Areas?
7 Tips for Minimising Parking Violations
2. Dynamic Feedback Systems at the Exit
3. Simple & Reliable Payment Options
4. Online Payment Before & After Exit
5. Payment via Parking Apps (e.g. EasyPark & Parkster)
6. Parking Violation Fees & Tracking Unpaid Parking
7. Info Campaigns for Launching Freeflow Parking
Customer-friendly Enforcement: Ensuring Revenue withouth PR Risks
Loss of Revenue from Unpaid Parking in Barrier-less Parking Areas?
Barrier-free parking systems are becoming increasingly popular, with many operators adopting freeflow solutions. This shift is driven by numerous operational benefits, especially the elimination of the requirement for round-the-clock on-call support or exit gate services.
For drivers, ticketless and barrier-free parking is now a familiar concept. Most people already have parked in a paid freeflow area at some point.
Since there is no physical barrier to stop them, drivers can leave the parking area without paying, posing a risk of revenue loss for operators.
This being said, most drivers don’t intentionally skip payment! Often, they forget or face issues with the payment process.
To avoid losing revenue from unpaid parking, suitable strategies should be implemented. Car park operators can reach a low non-payment rate within the single-digit percentage range with just a few straightforward actions. Many car parks with an Arivo Parking System maintain a non-payment rate of under 2%.
Are you interested in Arivo’s Freeflow or Barrier Parking Solutions? Contact us for a no-obligation quote. Contact Arivo now
7 Tips for Minimising Parking Violations
To reduce unpaid parking sessions and violations, here are some useful recommendations and best practices.
1. Clear Signage
Upon entering, it should be instantly apparent that parking incurs fees and is overseen with license plate recognition.
Parking rates, violation fees, and payment options should be prominently displayed within the parking area. An exit sign serves as an extra reminder for drivers to settle their parking fees.
2. Dynamic Feedback Systems at the Exit
Using traffic lights or information displays at the exit can greatly improve the user experience and reduce non-payers. If parking fees remain unpaid, the exit light stays red. Once payment is made, a green light signals that the driver can leave.
Info displays provide additional context and feedback, going beyond a simple red-green light. They can display payment status and even include a QR code for easy online payment of outstanding fees.
We recommend integrating feedback systems at exits for barrier-less parking systems. For instance, DB Bahnpark uses dynamic info displays at Berlin’s Ostbahnhof.
3. Simple & Reliable Payment Options
To ensure that paying parking fees is not a hurdle, the process should be as simple and user-friendly as possible for customers.
Offering multiple payment options, such as terminal payments, online transactions, or parking apps like EasyPark and Parkster, helps cater to all preferences. Intuitive interfaces are key to a smooth experience.
That’s why parking solutions that offer reliable and stable payment methods are essential. Ideally, you should choose a provider that offers both parking systems and payment services under one roof.
At Arivo, we’ve fully integrated payments into our system. This not only ensures a more stable operation of the payment terminals but also enables faster transaction processing.
Would you like to learn more about the payment options and the benefits of integrated payments with Arivo? Contact Arivo now
4. Online Payment Before & After Exit
Online payment options add flexibility for customers who prefer digital transactions. Displaying QR codes on information screens or signs simplifies the process. Additionally, short URLs can be provided for individuals who do not have QR scanners.
To reduce the number of cases and costs associated with enforcing unpaid parking sessions, car park operators can offer the option for late online payments as well. This allows your customers to settle their parking fees even after they have exited.
5. Payment via Parking Apps (e.g. EasyPark & Parkster)
Popular parking apps like EasyPark and Parkster provide an easy way to pay for parking fees.
Users of these apps benefit from automatic processing: once a parking session is recorded, the payment is either made directly via direct debit or collected at the end of the month.
By integrating short-term parking apps, operators can ensure that payments from their users are made reliably and on time.
Are you still unsure about which payment systems to offer your parking customers? We’d be happy to advise you! Contact Arivo now
6. Parking Violation Fees & Tracking Unpaid Parking
The threat of parking violation fees often proves effective. To fully prevent misuse of your parking spaces, it is essential to consistently monitor and enforce parking violations and unpaid sessions.
This method not only ensures your revenue but also informs and increases awareness among your parking customers.
Parking violation fees should remain reasonable to avoid being perceived as “excessive.”
In Germany, standard fees are approximately €35, whereas in Austria, they can reach up to €45 (gross).
Learn more about the potential impacts of high parking fines and the key aspects of fair enforcement below.
7. Info Campaigns for Launching Freeflow Parking
Launching a parking fee or transitioning to a barrier-less parking system requires targeted information campaigns, especially during the initial weeks:
- A press release in a local newspaper ensures transparency and informs the public about the system change.
- Information flyers distributed directly at the parking lot help users understand the new system.
Clearly communicating all relevant details about the system’s functionality and payment options boosts customer acceptance and ensures a smooth implementation process.
Enforcement of Unpaid Parking Violations
Tracking unpaid parking sessions is crucial to prevent revenue loss. However, this process must remain balanced! Fines and enforcement measures should aim to ensure payment compliance - not serve as an additional source of income or a method to finance the parking facility.
Sources: Bild (2024); Tiroler Tageszeitung (2024); Heute (2024); Tiroler Tageszeitung (2024); Kronen Zeitung (2024)
Excessive fines and aggressive enforcement practices pose significant risks: dissatisfaction among parking customers, negative reviews, and critical media coverage are common consequences. Legal conflicts, including lawsuits from customers or consumer protection groups, can significantly harm your reputation as a parking operator.
Customer-friendly Enforcement: Securing Revenue without PR Risks
To manage enforcement effectively and avoid public relations pitfalls, adopting a customer-friendly approach is essential.
- Low penalty fees that cover only the costs of retrieving owner data and administrative processing help ensure revenue while maintaining fairness.
- A multi-stage reminder process, with fees applied only from the second or third notice, demonstrates understanding and builds customer trust.
- Reasonable payment deadlines further enhance a customer-friendly enforcement approach.
When selecting a provider of freeflow parking systems with integrated enforcement services, it is essential to thoroughly review the offerings and contracts down to the last detail. Learn what to look for and how Arivo compares to other freeflow providers in this regard: Arivo vs. pure Freeflow providers.
You want to operate your freeflow parking in a customer-friendly way and make use of Arivo's Enforcement services? Contact Arivo now
Conclusion
By implementing targeted measures, the number of unpaid parking sessions be effectively reduced. Clear signage, simple and flexible payment options, and dynamic feedback systems encourage willingness to pay and reduce the risk of parking violations. A fair reminder system is especially important to secure revenue without losing customer trust. With the right strategy and modern technologies, Freeflow parking areas can be managed not only more efficiently but also profitably.
Would you like to manage your parking area with a Freeflow system and keep non-payers to a minimum? We can help you find the perfect parking solution for your needs. Contact Arivo now
