Pisa

A smart city pilot has been launched in Pisa, Italy, to test an intelligent parking system and analyse historic traffic data.

Pisa city council has joined forces with telecommunications company Deutsche Telekom and its partner firm Kiunsys to deploy the new smart city service on Piazza Carrara, located by the Arno River.

Sensors installed on the floor of each car park will detect if they are occupied or free, with several data units collecting the information and transmitting it over the mobile network to the city’s server infrastructure.

Integrated in Pisa’s existing Tap&Park app, the solution will help motorists to find a free parking space easier and quicker, as well as allows them to pay for it via their smartphone.

"The pilot project is a big stride for Pisa towards improving its traffic situation over the long term."

Mayor Marco Filippeschi said the new parking system integrates seamlessly into the city’s intelligent transport system.

"It will ease the flow of traffic and help to cut CO2 emissions," Filippeschi said.

The city, which attracts around 90,000 vehicles a day, has been working for many years to implement a smart mobility policy as part of its sustainable energy action plan.

Speaking about the pilot project, Filippeschi said: "The pilot project is a big stride for Pisa towards improving its traffic situation over the long term. Indeed, drivers looking for a parking space make up some 30% of inner-city traffic."

Image: Smart parking sensor installation at Piazza Carrara in Pisa, Italy. Photo: courtesy of Deutsche Telekom.