Milan: between skyscrapers and chaos, the parking challenge
Milan, a pulsating metropolis and hub of Italian finance, is not only renowned for its fashion, design and rich cultural offerings. In recent years, the city has emerged as a major center of innovation and smart city, embracing technology to improve the lives of its citizens. However, despite progress in many areas, one problem persists and afflicts motorists and residents: the shortage of parking spaces and the difficulty of finding parking.
In the first two months of 2024, the motorisation rate in the city is 510 cars per thousand inhabitants, far higher than in Madrid (360), London (351), Berlin (337) and Paris, for example, where there are as many as 250 cars per thousand inhabitants. This is a worrying figure if we consider that the capacity of Milan’s roads has remained virtually unchanged in recent years, with obvious repercussions on traffic congestion, air pollution and the quality of life of citizens.
A shortage of parking spaces results in traffic congestion, especially in central areas and at peak times. Finding a free parking space can be an arduous and time-consuming task. Motorists often find themselves wandering the streets, clogging the roads and contributing to air pollution.
Parking difficulties not only have negative consequences on the quality of life of citizens, but also impact on the city’s economy. Businesses, for example, see their customers decrease due to parking problems, while tourists may be discouraged from visiting Milan precisely because of the fear of not finding a parking space.
The city council of Milan is aware of the problem and in recent years has launched several initiatives to improve the situation. These include the construction of new car parks, the introduction of limited traffic zones and the promotion of alternative means of transport to the car, such as the metro, trams and bicycles. In this article, we explore how 4XP’s innovative parking solutions are transforming the parking experience in three important car parks in Milan: Clerici, Sbarbaro and Turoldo Est.
4XP: a winning solution against parking chaos in Milan
In this complex scenario, 4XP is a valuable ally for the city of Milan. At 4XP, we design, develop and manufacture smart parking solutions based on cloud-based vehicle access control. Our products meet the dynamic needs of the industry, guaranteeing an efficient, reliable and flexible service. With an unwavering commitment to innovation, we ensure solutions that adapt to different car park sizes and complexities, while offering a cost-effective approach that enhances safety and productivity.
4XP’s smart car parks, already successfully implemented in several Italian and European cities, are a valid answer to the problem of parking space shortage in Milan. Thanks to the use of state-of-the-art technologies, such as sensors, cameras and data analysis software, entry/exit columns with payment by credit and/or debit card or through the Easypark APP, it is possible:
- Manage payments automatically: 4XP car parks offer various cashless payment options such as credit cards, ATMs and the Easypark app, eliminating the need to have coins on hand.
- Monitor parking status in real time: car park operators can monitor the status of their car parks in real time via a cloud-based platform, gaining valuable information on occupancy, traffic flows and takings.
- 24/7 support: thanks to the xManagement service, the 4XP control room is able to provide remote assistance to drivers 24/7.
The concrete benefits of 4XP smart parking in Milan
The positive experience of other Italian cities with 4XP’s smart parking systems also bodes well for Milan. In particular, the three Milanese car parks equipped with 4XP systems – Clerici, Sbarbaro and Turoldo Est – are already enjoying great success, offering concrete benefits to all stakeholders.
Benefits for car drivers
- Reduced parking search time: thanks to sensors that detect available parking spaces in real time, car drivers can find a free parking space quickly and easily, avoiding wandering the streets.
- Automatic payment: 4XP car parks offer several cashless payment options, such as credit cards, ATMs and the Easypark app, eliminating the need to have coins on hand.
- Increased security: 4XP video surveillance systems provide a safer parking environment for car drivers and their vehicles.
Benefits for car park operators
- Optimisation of parking spaces: the data collected by 4XP sensors allows parking operators to optimize the use of parking spaces, increasing profits and reducing costs.
- More control and transparency: parking operators have access to a cloud platform that allows them to monitor the status of their parking spaces in real time, providing valuable information on occupancy, traffic flows and revenue.
- Lower maintenance costs: 4XP systems are designed to be robust and reliable, requiring minimal maintenance.
Benefits for the city of Milan
- Reduced traffic congestion: the reduction in parking search time helps to fluidify city traffic, resulting in less air pollution and a better quality of life for citizens.
- Increased urban liveability: an efficient and smart parking system makes the city more liveable and attractive for citizens, tourists and businesses.
4XP smart parking solutions represent a significant step towards more efficient, sustainable and liveable urban mobility. Milan’s positive experience with 4XP systems confirms their potential to transform the cities of the future. To find out about all the services 4XP can provide for your car park click here