The City of Columbus is testing new technology that promises to eliminate the frustrating – and congestion-causing – experience of driving around and looking for available street parking in the Short North.
The plan is to install sensors along the street that can tell if a spot is occupied or not. That information would then be made available in real time to anyone with access to the city’s ParkColumbus app.
The first sensors are being installed today, along a section of North High Street (south of Second Avenue) and Park Street (south of Russell Street). The test is officially scheduled to start in October, and will run through the end of the year.
The technology of three different companies will be tested. Two use small, pop can-sized devices that are installed in the ground, while the third company has developed sensors that are installed inside parking meters.
“This project allows us to explore how the city can continue to add convenience and the right smart tools to the parking experience for residents, businesses and visitors,” said Robert Ferrin, Assistant Director of Parking Services, in a statement. “Use of sensing technology could effectively eliminate circling and searching for available on-street parking as well as assist in offering direction to other parking and transportation options.”
Related: Parking Rules are Changing (Again) in The Short North
For more information on parking in the Short North, see www.columbus.gov.