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Parking trend www.europeanparking.eu Publication of the European Parking Association | Volume 41 | no. 4-2025 INTERNATIONAL 12 Parking Awards 16 2025 EPA Conference 23 General Assembly Reflection of the Parking Industry’s Future Vision “A Spirit of Enhanced Partnership” EPA Elects Theo Thuis as New President AT, BE, CY, FI, FR, DE, IE, IT, LU, PT, SK, SI, ES, NL: 8.50 Euro, HR 63.75 Kuna, GB 7.50 Pound, HU 2,550 Forint, NO 74.50 NOK, PL 39.10 Zloty, SE 80 SEK, CH 15.75 CHF
LINKING PARKING SYSTEMS Designa PARKETPLACE is the marketplace to link operators, PARCS, and parking-app platforms. So you can connect your existing infrastructure with the digital providers that drivers expect. PARKETPLACE – The Marketplace for Parking. Join us at INTERTRAFFIC AMSTERDAM 2026 Hall 12, booth 12.101 designa.com
EDITORIAL Dear Reader, This winter marks both continuity and renewal for the European Parking Association (EPA). After an in- spiring conference in Brussels last September (see p. 16), themed “Reshaping Urban Space,” we carry that momentum into a new chapter. I am deeply hon- ored to have been elected as EPA President for the 2025-2027 term, and I thank our members for their trust. It was a real pleasure to meet and speak with so many of you during the event — the energy, ideas, and conversations we shared truly reflected the strength of our community. Together, we now have the opportunity — and responsibility — to turn ideas into action. At the conference, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas said that parking should no longer be seen as part of the problem, but as part of the solution. I could not agree more. Parking is no longer a standalone utili- ty; it is central to how cities manage safety, liveabil- ity, and accessibility. When policy, operations, and technology align with urban goals, the entire mobil- ity system benefits — for residents, visitors, busi- nesses, and city leaders alike. In this new term, EPA’s work will build on five in- terconnected policy priorities (see p. 27). The first is safety and resilience. Europe’s parking infrastruc- ture is part of its critical network, and we must en- sure it can withstand both digital and physical risks. Cybersecurity, emergency preparedness, and sus- tainable design go hand in hand. A safe, well-main- tained parking facility is also a sustainable one — ef- ficient lighting, smart ventilation, and energy-posi- tive upgrades make our cities more secure and more climate-friendly. Electromobility continues to reshape parking’s role. Drivers expect to charge where they actually park — at home, on the street, on the go, and at des- tinations. EPA will keep supporting clear, practical guidelines on charger types, fire safety, grid capaci- ty, and transparent pricing. Consistency reduces cost and confusion, speeds deployment, and builds user trust. Parking facilities are becoming true en- ergy hubs, easing pressure on local grids and sup- porting Europe’s transition to clean mobility. Fair enforcement and access remain essential to credible parking policy. Modern systems, backed by secure cross-border data exchange, can reduce fraud, ease administration, and make park- ing more accessible for those who need it most, Theo Thuis such as people with reduced mobility. Compliance is not about punishment — it is about fairness and trust. Our fourth focus is urban logistics. The kerb is now the city’s most contested space, coveted by delivery vans, shared mobility, active travel and lei- sure. Parking operators have the expertise to help cities manage this space effectively — from booka- ble loading zones to micro-hubs that shorten last- mile trips and cut emissions. The goal is the same: to keep urban centers safe, vibrant, and accessible. Finally, digitalisation and data are the founda- tion for everything else. Customers expect simplici- ty — to find, book, and pay seamlessly. Through open, standardised data and cooperation with vehi- cle manufacturers, we can make parking an integral part of the multimodal journey. Digital solutions only succeed when they serve people, not the other way around. Our path forward is clear: agree on common principles, test them in practice, and scale what works. Parking connects people, energy, logistics, and data. By working together — across countries, disciplines, and sectors — we can turn parking into an active force for safer, greener, and more inclusive cities. I look forward to continuing this dialogue in the months ahead — and to meeting many of you at Intertraffic Amsterdam, March 11th 2026 during the EPA Parking Day (see p. 31). Theo Thuis EPA President BAPSUM Q-Park (EPA Platinum Member) Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 3
CONTENTS Business News Lead Story 2025 European Parking Awards: Reflection of the Parking Industry’s Future Vision 2025 European Parking Conference & Exhibition: “A Spirit of Enhanced Partnership” EPA News 2025 General Assembly: EPA Elects Theo Thuis as New President and Several New Board Members “Proud Member of EPA”: Corporate Members – Join Us! List: Corporate Members of EPA New Corporate Member Portraits EPA Manifesto 2025–2030: A Vision for Safe, Sustainable and Future-Ready Mobility Inside the EPA Working Groups: Current Work and New Directions EPA Contributes to GOLIA: Advancing Sustainable and Digital Mobility in Europe 12 6–10 High-Profile Summit Event: ‘EPA Parking Day’ Returns to Intertraffic Amsterdam 2026 31 EPA Full Members: Insight into International Industry Summits Organized by European Parking Associations 32 12 16 23 24 24 26 27 28 30 Best Practice Fastned Unveils Flagship Gentbrugge Stations: A Vision for the Future of EV Charging Daimler Buses: Expansion of Public Charging Stations Survision: License Plate Recognition in Snow TRILUX / Hargassner: Largest Timber-Constructed Car Park in Europe 34 35 36 38 Innovative Products Designa: PARKETPLACE Connects Existing Parking Infrastructure with Online Providers and Parking Apps 39 Background Study by Fraunhofer UMSICHT: Lower CO2 Emissions Through Digital Parking Systems? 40 4 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025
Hitachi Rail: How Car Parks Will Become Mobility Hubs CCV: Parking Meets Charging – Why the Future Is Connected Q-Park: Strategic Mobility Hubs for Sustainable Urban Development International Solutions WPS: Smarter Parking at Flanders Expo in Ghent Scheidt & Bachmann: Renewing Parking System in Goes Portier Vision: Innovative Parking Camera Project at VU Amsterdam and Amsterdam UMC 42 44 45 46 46 47 International Modernisation Project: TRILUX Refurbishes 188 Q-Park Car Parks in Seven Countries 48 Prospects Intertraffic Amsterdam 2026: Shaping the Future of Parking and Mobility Calendar: International Parking Events Imprint 50 51 51 CONTENTS t e v u o L r e d n a x e l A / A P E : s o t o h p e l t i T 16 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 5
BUSINESS NEWS SKIDATA Acquires ePARK to Expand Smart Parking Portfolio E ffective 1 September 2025, SKIDATA has trend is the convergence of on-street and off- street parking – driven by the need for seam- less user experiences, flexible payment mod- els and connected infrastructure. ePARK meets these requirements with a specially developed platform for digital short-term parking, digital permits and value-added services. The Swedish company offers a modular and scalable system that is already used by more than 200 municipalities and private operators and processes over 6.7 mil- lion transactions per year. According to its own information, ePARK enjoys the trust of over 2 million users. Operators and munici- palities also benefit from a reliable back-of- fice system for parking management. acquired the Swedish company ePARK, a provider of app-based smart parking services. Integrating ePARK’s offering with SKIDATA’s core portfolio creates a complete solution that spans both on-street and off-street parking environments. This allows cities and operators to manage access, payment, and permits through a unified system, improving efficiency, user satisfaction, and data-driven service delivery. ePARK will continue to operate as a sepa- rate business unit within the SKIDATA struc- ture. The brand, platform, and leadership remain unchanged, ensuring continuity for customers and partners. All-in-one solutions for on- and off- street parking Parking is becoming increasingly integrated, important digital and user-oriented. An A T A D K S © I EasyPark, Flowbird, Parkopedia, RingGo, and ParkMobile revealed its new corporate parent company and brand “Arrive”. “We’re excited to expand our direct offer- ing to cities and operators while staying true to our commitment to open integrations – including third-party apps and systems,” says Willem-Jan Balk, SVP Marketing & Sales at SKIDATA. “With SKIDATA Connect, we ena- ble simple, secure, and sustainable integra- tion that adds value without limiting flexibil- ■ ity.” Interparking and Saba’s Strategic Alliance Effective A fter reaching an agreement on 16 October 20d24 and obtaining an player, allowing to take full advantage of future urban mobility trends and deploying electrical charging solutions for electric vehi- cles across Europe. antitrust clearance, Interparking, AG through its real estate sub- sidiary AG Real Estate, APG and CriteriaCaixa announce the finaliza- tion of the integration of Saba by Interparking, effective as of 1st Oc- tober 2025. AG will remain the majority and controlling shareholder of the combined entity, alongside APG and CriteriaCaixa. By joining forces with Saba, the Interparking Group capitalizes on both companies’ forces and positions itself as a leading pan-Europe- i g n k r a p r e t n I © With the merger now officially approved, Interparking is positioning itself as a leading pan-European player among car park operators. 2,000 car parks in 16 European countries As of October, the Interparking Group manages over 2,000 car parks across 600 cities in 16 European countries, offering nearly 800,000 parking spaces and close to 8,000 electric charging points. Interpark- ing Group will remain headquartered in Belgium, with a territorial HQ in Barcelona. Roland Cracco, CEO of Interparking Group: “This strategic alliance between Interparking and Saba marks a turning point for urban mo- bility in Europe. By combining our expertise, international reach, and shared values, we are building a more connected, efficient, and cus- tomer-focused parking network. Together, we will accelerate innova- tion, expand sustainable solutions, and support the evolving needs of cities and citizens across Europe. As we say in Belgium: ‘Unity is strength’ and in Spain: ‘Plus Ultra’. Let’s keep moving forward to- gether.” Salvador Alemany, President of Saba: “This alliance brings to- gether investors, assets, and talent from two of the world’s leading car park operators. We celebrate that this union of complementary capabilities, magnitude, and territorial presence gives rise, as of to- day, to the sector’s leading operator in Europe.” ■ 6 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025
BUSINESS NEWS Smarter Parking for Wiesbaden W ith the reopening of the City Car Park (“Parkhaus City”) in Wiesbaden, mu- nicipal operator WiBau GmbH is relying on number plate recognition. It is the first loca- tion in the Hessian state capital where WiBau has upgraded to this technology, enabling ticketless, seamless and convenient parking. The installed system is also scalable and en- sures lean processes on the operator side. With this project, Scheidt & Bachmann Park- ing Solutions has established itself as Wies- baden’s partner for innovative and sustaina- ble parking systems. “As WiBau GmbH man- ages numerous city car parks and relies on our solutions, we are proud to continue a trusting and future-oriented partnership and set new standards in urban mobility,” said ■ the Mönchengladbach-based company. Reopening of Wiesbaden’s City Car Park: (from left) Andreas Guntrum, and Charlotte Stritter (both WiBau), Thorsten Budzinski (Scheidt & Bach- mann Parking Solutions GmbH). The Citea Evolution continues – now even faster and more intuitive! One of the largest touch displays on the market for maximum user- friendliness Highest level of vandalism protecti- on thanks to IK10 impact resistance VdS-certified technology in all versions up to protection class P4 Quality „Made in Germany“ Minimal boot times – for significant cost savings in the field Comprehensive, user-friendly cloud software with absolute tariff control Cost-effective card payment pro- cessing by supporting national card systems French EV Charging Start-Up WAAT Raises €100 Million W AAT, a French pioneer in charging in- frastructure for electric vehicles in pri- vate settings, has announced a €100 million financing round. The transaction will be car- ried out with a sustainable investment fund from the DWS Group (‘DWS’) and Bpifrance. It should enable the company to accelerate its development in France and Europe while consolidating its position as the market leader in this sector. it WAAT says is already established throughout France and aims to become the leading provider of private charging facilities in three key areas: condominiums, social housing and commercial properties. Patrick Kic, Chairman of WAAT: “This fun- draising marks a major milestone in WAAT’s histo- ry. In a demanding environ- ment, successfully mobilis- ing partners of this calibre is a real source of pride for our teams. It is recognition of our model, which is root- ed in reality and capable of reconciling impact, indus- trial performance and long- term growth.” ■ Do not hesitate to contact us: Hectronic GmbH | Allmendstrasse 15 D-79848 Bonndorf | Tel. +49 7703 9388-0 mail@hectronic.com Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 7 www.hectronic.com n n a m h c a B & t d e h c S © i T A A W ©
BUSINESS NEWS Fire-ravaged Luton Airport car park rebuilt and reopened A s reported by the local London press, among others, the rebuilt Terminal Car Park 2 at London Luton Airport has reopened al- most two years after a devastating fire. In October 2023, 1,352 vehi- cles were destroyed, the car park itself partially collapsed and the airport was temporarily forced to suspend flight operations. A new five-storey facility was opened to motorists in September 2025. It offers 1,900 parking spaces and a covered express drop-off zone on the ground floor for faster access to the terminal. As part of the reopening, the paid pick-up and drop-off area has been moved to the ground floor of the new car park. Airport management has also announced a £1.5 million investment fund for public transport to promote rail, bus and coach services to and from the airport. The first year's funds will be used in collaboration with local authorities and transport operators to improve sustainable connections and reduce dependence on private vehicles. ■ In October 2023, 1,352 vehicles were destroyed at Terminal Car Park 2. k c o t s r e t t u h S © DESIGNA and Arrive Launch Global Partnership at 2025 EPA Conference & Exhibition D ESIGNA and Arrive have signed an inter- lighted the strategic importance of this co- operation and the shared vision of building a more connected, digital, and sustainable fu- ture of parking. ing for solutions that combine efficiency, inno- vation and profitability. In this context, DESIG- NA's partnership with My Way is intended as a new step in this journey. The two companies plan to bring pay-per-use integrations to the market together. With these digital mobility services, they hope to generate new revenue streams. The partnership will initially focus on Germany and the Netherlands. Broader inter- national growth and further mobility innova- tions are to follow in subsequent steps. ■ national cooperation agreement. DES- IGNA said: “We couldn’t be more thrilled about this partnership! Together, we are committed to shaping the future of parking: making it easier, faster, digital, and smarter.” At the 21st European Parking Association (EPA) Parking Conference & Exhibition in Brussels, representatives from both compa- nies came together to celebrate this mile- stone. According to DESIGNA, the event high- DESIGNA and My Way join forces at PARKEN 2025 The parking industry is undergoing a major digital transformation. Drivers now expect seamless, flexible and customer-friendly mo- bility services, so car park operators are look- I A N G S E D © DESIGNA and Arrive: (from left to right) Florian Teller (Arrive), Florian Leiber (DESIGNA), Christian Grzona (DESIGNA), Morten Hother Sørensen (Arrive) DESIGNA and My Way: (from left to right) Steven Helder (My Way), Christian Grzona (DESIGNA), Pieter Paul Groot (My Way) 8 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025
BUSINESS NEWS P eople in Parking Aleksandrs Pereverzevs Otavio Ferreira BISS welcomes Aleksandrs Pereverzevs as their new CEO. With experience in global startups, Aleksandrs’ goal is to transform BISS into a global innovator. With 25 years of experience, BISS is a leading automation company in the Baltics dedicated to improv- ing operational efficiency for businesses of all sizes. Their software and hardware solu- tions streamline processes in parking man- agement, vehicle flow, EV charging, access control, and work time tracking. PayByPhone appointed Otavio Ferreira as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO) ef- fective October 1, 2025. Ferriera joins the PayByPhone Management Board, reporting to John Gallagher, Chief Information Officer. Ferreira takes over from Jean-Pierre LeBlanc who becomes Vice President, Product. Ferreira, a Brazilian-Canadian national, brings global experience in payment infra- structure, having served as CTO for e-com- merce operations in Brazil. He has also held senior leadership roles at Amazon Web Servic- es (AWS) in Canada. Ferreira holds a Master of Science in Software Engineering from the Uni- versity of São Paulo (USP), and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the Pontifi- cal Catholic University of São Paulo (PUC-SP). Designa Axess Industries Holding has wel- comed Stefan Schaffner as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). With his interna- tional experience, he will actively help shape the future of Designa and Axess, focusing on operational excellence and international growth. Stefan brings more than 30 years of international management experience to the table. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President at SITA, where he headed the global airport division. He has also played a central role in the digital access and parking solutions industry. Oliver Suter, CEO Designa Axess Indus- tries Holding: “I am very pleased to welcome Stefan Schaffner to our leadership team. With his experience and international mind- set, he will bring valuable impulses to the further development of our group and help us continue our success story.” ■ Stefan Schaffner GOLDBECK Parking Services Continues to Expand Airport parking A IRPORTS From 1 January 2026, Goldbeck Parking Services Gm- ence in the air transport sector. In future, we will be responsible for parking operations at three Central European airports,” says Gregor Hensel, Managing Director of Goldbeck Parking Services GmbH. ■ bH will take over parking and mobility management at the two central German airports Leipzig/Halle and Dresden. Mitteldeutsche Flughafen AG awarded the Europe-wide tender to Goldbeck PS at the beginning of October. This means that the company will be responsi- ble for over 11,500 parking spaces and the development of sustaina- ble mobility solutions at both locations. At Leipzig/Halle Airport, Germany's second-largest air freight hub and airport for the region with more than 2.2 million passengers last year, Goldbeck PS will manage more than 7,000 parking spaces in fu- ture. This includes 16 parking areas with a total of 4,360 parking spaces, a multi-storey car park with around 2,650 parking spaces and around 60 additional parking spaces at the terminal entrance. At Dresden Airport, which handled almost 900,000 passengers last year, the company will manage around 4,600 parking spaces in future, spread across seven outdoor car parks and a multi-storey car park. “With the takeover of parking and mobility management at Leipzig/ Halle and Dresden airports, we are systematically expanding our pres- (Symbolic image) Goldbeck Parking Services is taking over parking space management at Leipzig/Halle and Dresden airports. Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 9 i s e c i v r e S g n k r a P k c e b d o G © l
BUSINESS NEWS Virta Acquires Northe V irta (Liikennevirta Oy), a leading interna- tional electric vehicle charging and en- ergy platform provider headquartered in Helsinki, announced it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Northe (Charge4go AB), the Scandinavian market leader in advanced electric vehicle fleet management software and services for leas- ing companies and other large fleet opera- tors. Together, the companies are to become the largest B2B EV driver platform in the Nordics, jointly serving well over 100,000 ac- tive EV drivers. “Northe’s comprehensive EV fleet soft- ware, developed by a strong professional team, is among the most advanced and fu- ture-proof solutions available. By combining it with Virta’s market-leading charging busi- ness management, energy management, and Virtual Power Plant platform, we are in- troducing a solution with unprecedented comprehensiveness, seamlessness, and cost-effectiveness for leasing companies, rental car firms, and corporate and light commercial vehicle stakeholders,” said Ilkka Vanhanen, Chief Revenue Officer of Virta. David Fauné, co-founder and CEO of Northe, commented on the transaction: “Vir- ta’s strong presence with over 120 000 charg- ing points and extensive customer base in key EV markets across Europe now provide a fast track for scaling Northe’s technology beyond Sweden, Denmark, and Norway, where we have quickly earned the trust of the largest leasing companies and fleet op- erators.” ■ a t r i V © PayByPhone and SKIDATA sign strategic global partnership P ayByPhone has signed a strategic global partnership with SKI- DATA to join SKIDATA Connect, an all-in-one platform for manag- ing customer experiences in the Parking & Mobility and Sports & En- tertainment industries. PayByPhone users will soon be able to enter hundreds of enclosed off-street car parks thanks to SKIDATA‘s global coverage across Canada, France, Germany, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States as the service is rolled out. Jonny Combe, Chief Executive Officer and President, PayBy- Phone, says: “By establishing long-term partnerships that enable in- telligent, connected solutions for our drivers, we deliver on our promise of simplifying our users’ journeys. This strategic collabora- tion with SKIDATA further enhances that pledge.” Christopher Archer, Senior Vice President of North America for SKIDATA, says: “SKIDATA focuses on cultivating global partnerships with best-of-breed companies that share our commitment to creat- ing seamless, intuitive experiences for end users. PayByPhone fits this criterion perfectly.” The first city to benefit from the new partnership will be Miami, Florida. Other locations in the US and Canada as well as in France, Germany, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom are to follow over the next few months. ■ PayByPhone and SKIDATA sign strategic global partnership 10 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 A T A D K S © I
Promotion Scheidt & Bachmann INTRODUCING From Traditional Parking to a Digital Future T he demands on parking manage- an important step towards connected mo- bility solutions. Independence of Location and Device The solution offers clear advantages in day-to-day operations: Operation can take place independently of location and de- vice. For example, data on occupancy and product usage can be conveniently access via a tablet. For operators, this means greater flexibility, and for drivers, a mod- ern parking experience. The demand for digital parking is re- flected in its implementation: In addition to systems for ticketless or free-flow oper- ation, we are seeing high demand for en- tervo infinite. Since the beginning of 2025, several systems have already been put in- to operation, with more currently in the go-live planning phase. Consequently, en- tervo infinite is quickly becoming an inte- gral part of modern parking concepts. The digitalisation of parking presents a real opportunity to make processes more efficient and create new digital services. Systems such as entervo infinite demon- strate how operators can future-proof their offerings and simultaneously move towards smart mobility. Parking in a connected world – one ■ platform, as easy as it gets! i l s n o i t u o S g n k r a P n n a m h c a B & t d e h c S © i ment are changing rapidly. While today a central computer in the car park often still forms the foundation, these systems are increasingly reaching their limits. Short development cycles and new technologies mean that hardware needs to be replaced more frequently – a costly process for operators. At the same time, city centres are un- dergoing transformation. On-street park- ing is being gradually reduced to create spaces for a better quality of life. As a re- sult, the professional management of the remaining parking spaces in multi-storey and underground car parks has become essential, making a significant contribu- tion to this process of change. Operations are therefore demanding modern, scalable, flexible, and up-to-date parking management. They seek simplified processes that learn behaviours and pat- terns, thereby achieving greater efficiency. Customers, in turn, expect digital ser- vices that make parking more convenient and sustainable. This growing expectation has brought cloud-based solutions into sharper focus. Cloud Architecture Scheidt & Bachmann Parking Solutions has responded to these evolving require- ments with a second product line: entervo infinite. The system is built on a cloud ar- chitecture that operates without a central computer in car parks. Software updates run automatically in the background, and existing devices can often be migrated and thus continue to be used. The entire sys- tem is based on licence plate recognition technology, which not only reduces initial investment costs but also significantly lowers maintenance and operational ef- fort. Time – consuming software updates and computer replacements are a thing of the past, ensuring the system always runs on the latest software with the most up-to- date interfaces. “It is crucial to have the freedom to use the entervo infinite system from anywhere to support our tenants and customers,” says Dennis Röhnisch, Managing Director, Röhnisch Immobilien GmbH. Scan the QR code and see the video: Bonnie Mies, Managing Director of Parkhaus Südstadt-Service UG Bonn, summarises her experience with entervo infinite as follows: “entervo infinite has significantly simplified our workflows. This means greater convenience for us and our customers. The dashboard provides a better overview. The remote operation is fantastic. I can absolutely recommend entervo infinite.” Scan the QR code and see the video: entervo infinite enables quick activa- tion of modules like online reservations, web payments, and a customer portal for data and parking product management. The mobility CONNECT platform also al- lows integration with mobility providers – Installation with entervo infinite. Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 11
LEAD STORY Group photo with all winners and the organising team of the 2025 European Parking Awards. 2025 European Parking Awards Reflection of the Parking Industry’s Future Vision The highlight of the EPA Conference was the presentation of the 2025 European Parking Awards. In a festive setting—the association’s representatives had dressed up in gala outfits for this occasion—the winners in all eight categories were announced. With 54 participants, the European competition for excellence saw record participation. T he Awards Ceremony was an inspir- ing celebration of innovation and creativity across the sector. Hosted by the European Parking Association’s Vice- President Stefan Sadleder and Executive Di- rector Tom Antonissen. Pre-selection Committee and Jury The European Parking Association extends its sincere appreciation to the Pre- selection Committee, which carefully reduced the record 54 entries to a shortlist of 24 exceptional projects. Equal thanks are due to the jury teams across all categories, who applied their expertise and sound judgment to evaluate the finalists and select the winners fairly. Their dedication ensured that the 2025 European Parking Awards upheld the highest standards of integrity while showcasing the very best in innova- tion, sustainability, and excellence within the European parking sector. Tribute to Professor Donald Shoup The event began with a special tribute to Professor Donald Shoup, a world-renowned expert on parking and urban policy, who passed away earlier this year. The tribute honored Shoup's groundbreaking research, his influential book “The High Cost of Free Parking,” and his unique ability to communi- cate the complexities of parking policy in a clear and understandable way. To honor his t e v u o L r e d n a x e l A / A P E : ) s o t o h p l l a ( © 12 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025
LEAD STORY Winners of the 2025 European Parking Awards Category 1: Best New Parking Structure BE IT Q-Park Belgium Zuiderdokken Parcheggi Italia - Best in Parking Bergamo Città Alta Category 2: Best Renovation of an Existing Parking Structure FR Parcus Renovation of the P3 Wilson car park in Strasbourg Category 3: Best On-street Parking Project IT SIS Mobility Solutions Smart Parking and Adaptive Recognition in Monopoli Category 4: Best Innovation in Parking SW SKIDATA and Dukaten LinPark 2.0 by Skidata Category 5: Best Marketing and Communications Campaign FR INDIGO Parking that moves the city Category 6: Best Approach to Smart Mobility NL Q-PARK Netherlands Mobility Hub The Hague Centrum Category 7: Best Digitalisation of a Parking Project or Service NL EGIS Projects SAS EVS Permit System Category 8: Best ESG Initiative SL Consortium RRA LUR-LUZ-IPoP Parking Policy Guidelines in Slovenia legacy, Professor Daniel Hess, invited over from the US, reflected on his life and work. “It is an honor to pay tribute to Donald Shoup. He was an important mentor to me,” said Daniel Hess. The University of Buffalo scholar described Donald Shoup as “one of the first influencers” who greatly changed California with his “Shoupists” who followed his ideas. Shoup's main concern was to “give people priority over cars,” explained Profes- sor Hess. He recently published a commem- orative volume entitled “The Shoup Doc- trine,” which contains essays in honor of Donald Shoup and parking reforms. Laurence Bannerman, president emeri- tus of the European Parking Association, al- so contributed a chapter to “The Shoup Doctrine” and presented a European Parking Award for Excellence in his memory, to be conveyed to his wife, Pat. Record Number of 54 Entries In his opening remarks, EPA Vice-President Stefan Sadleder welcomed guests and high- lighted how parking has transformed from a European Parking Award for Excellence for Donald Shoup: Laurence Bannerman (left), president emeritus of the European Parking Association, Prof. Daniel Hess (right), University of Buffalo. ➜ Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 13
LEAD STORY “And the Winners Are…” The evening then moved to the eight award categories, each highlighting outstanding contributions to the future of parking and mobility across Europe. In Category 1: Best New Parking Struc- ture, the jury exceptionally recognised two winners. Q-Park Belgium’s Zuiderdokken in Antwerp was praised as “an excellent exam- ple of car park design that fulfils the require- ments for sustainable mobility perfectly. To- gether with the city park above, it will signifi- cantly improve the quality of life in the neighbourhood.” Parcheggi Italia – Best in Parking received the award for Bergamo Città Alta, which the jury described as “a lovely project… with an enormous improvement to the urban envi- ronment, which is what makes the project so valuable.” In Category 2: Best Renovation of an Existing Parking Structure, the award went to Parcus (France) for the Renovation of the P3 Wilson car park in Strasbourg. The jury praised it as “a wonderful project” and “a fine example of how an innovative structure can be redesigned in a sustainable, contem- porary way and improved even further.” In Category 3: Best On-street Parking Project, SIS Mobility Solutions (Italy) won with its Smart Parking and Adaptive Recog- Plates and trophies were awarded to the winning teams in all eight categories. nition in Monopoli, a project that demon- strates how technology can enhance every- day urban parking. The jury noted that it was “undeniably the one that best meets the evaluation criteria.” In Category 4: Best Innovation in Park- ing, the award went to SKIDATA and Dukaten (Sweden) for LinPark 2.0 by SKIDATA. The ju- ry praised it as “a forward-looking parking Stefan Sadleder ➜ static function into a dynamic, digital, and customer-focused element of urban mobili- ty: “The Awards therefore go beyond just car parks.” He noted that this year’s record num- ber of 54 entries showcased the sector’s strengths in innovation, design, sustainabili- ty, accessibility, and integration. The Awards, he stressed, are not just a competition but a reflection of the industry’s progress and fu- ture vision. The coveted trophies awaiting the winners. A winning team celebrates its success. 14 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025
LEAD STORY solution” that integrates multiple use cases into a single platform, combining parking and charging infrastructure for all user groups. They highlighted its strong adoption rate as proof of its relevance and impact, noting that it improves user experience, boosts operational efficiency, and supports sustainable mobility on a city-wide scale. The platform, already live in Linköping, was The excitement builds: participants at the awards ceremony as the winning entries are announced. commended for its proven value and readi- ness to be deployed in other geographies. In Category 5: Best Marketing and Com- munications Campaign, INDIGO (France) was recognised for Parking that Moves the City. The jury praised it as “a great example of positioning parking as part of the mobility solution for cities… The results in terms of adoption of Indigo’s app, image, and HR are impressive.” In Category 6: Best Approach to Smart Mobility, the winner was Q-Park Nether- lands for its Mobility Hub The Hague Cen- trum. The jury highlighted the project’s “ver- satility and the added value it brought through its well-executed presentation.” They were particularly convinced by its ap- proach of combining different aspects of smart mobility while openly sharing both successes and challenges, which set it apart as a model of transparency and innovation. In Category 7: Best Digitalisation of a Parking Project or Service, the award went to EGIS Projects SAS (Netherlands) for its EVS Permit System. The jury praised it as “a for- ward-looking parking solution”, noting its ability to handle the complexity of process- ing more than 370,000 permits, over 40 dif- ferent types, and 30,000 monthly applica- tions or licence plate changes. They high- lighted that the platform “contributes to a more sustainable city by allowing the digi- talisation of complex policies promoting sus- tainable parking and mobility,” while also substantially reducing costs and improving user experience through a highly automat- ed, self-service approach. Finally, in Category 8: Best ESG Initia- tive, the award went to the Consortium RRA LUR–LUZ–IPoP (Slovenia) for its Parking Poli- cy Guidelines in Slovenia. The jury unani- mously agreed it was an “important initia- tive,” particularly in providing valuable guid- ance to smaller towns and supporting the broader adoption of sustainable parking and mobility practices. ■ Awards Special Edition Online A dedicated Parking Trends International supplement was pub- lished, featuring all 54 submitted and eligible entries. The supple- ment is available on the EPA website under the QR code. Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 15
Interactive event: During the breaks and between sessions, there were plenty of opportunities for networking and visiting the stands of renowned companies in the exhibition area. 2025 European Parking Conference & Exhibition “A Spirit of Enhanced Partnership” The 21st European Parking Conference & Exhibition, colloquially known as the ‘EPA Congress’, was launched with a new concept and enhanced offerings for sponsors, exhibitors and participants. Particularly noteworthy were the flagship event’s dynamic layout and interactive nature. Thanks in part to the excellent facilities at The EGG conference center in downtown Brussels, the event was considered a resounding success. A report from a tour through various sessions on the first and second day of the conference. By Marko Ruh, editor-in-chief Parking Trend International (Day 1) and Joanne Sutcliffe, EPA Communications Manager (Day 2) 16 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 h u R o k r a M : ) s o t o h p l l a ( ©
LEAD STORY H igh-level plenary sessions were held at the beginning and end of the Con- ference, with nearly all 600 partici- pants gathering in the Auditorium. The Euro- pean Parking Awards ceremony (see p. 12) also took place in front of this large audi- ence. In addition, delegates had a wide range of specialized topics to choose from during the two-day conference, which were presented in five to six parallel sessions and workshops each morning and afternoon. This setup allowed EPA to cover a huge range of relevant issues for the parking in- dustry and satisfy every special interest. From policy issues to technical topics to wider visions on urban mobility, almost eve- rything that is currently being discussed in the industry, in national and supranational associations and in political committees was covered. The workshops also looked beyond the horizon – for example, at issues of na- tional security and military preparedness – and into the future. “It’s mostly simple things. Awareness programmes must be completed by at least 95% of people.” Frank De Moor, CEO of Q-Park, speaking at the ‘Cybersecurity in Parking’ workshop about IT security measures. Opening Plenary Session The conference program also featured distin- guished political contributions. Starting with the welcome speech delivered by Anaïs Maes, Alderwoman for Town Planning, Public Spac- es, Road Works and Mobility at the City of Brussels during the welcome reception which preceded the two conference days. Opening Keynote addresses included a dedicated video message from Apostolos Tzitzikostas, EU Commissioner for Sustaina- ble Transport & Tourism, who confirmed the “Parking is a key part of mobility.” Apostolos Tzitzikostas, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport & Tourism, via video message sector’s longstanding view that “parking is not the problem, it is part of the solution”. He wished the Conference to become a “catalyst for action” and proposed a follow-up meet- ing with EPA shortly after. Another prominent politician was the Belgian Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade, Theo Francken, who delivered a key- note speech during the Opening Session. He reminded delegates that underground park- ing also has a role in civil defence, citing his own recent experience in Ukraine as proof that such infrastructures can be repurposed as shelters or even drone factories. “We need to be creative,” Francken said in this context. During the opening session, EPA Executive Director Tom Antonissen also noted: “We are proud to be an official part of the European Mobility Week.” EUROPEANMOBILITYWEEK – as per the official spelling – is the European Commission’s flagship campaign to raise awareness of sustainable urban mobility. The main events took place from 16–22 Septem- ber, which included the 2025 European Park- ing Conference & Exhibition. Belgian Minister of Defence and Foreign Trade Theo Francken EPA President (now Emeritus) Nigel Wil- liams reflected via a video message on the evolution of the “old EPA” with a small budget to its current status as a strong or- ganization based in Brussels. “We tripled the Nigel Williams per video message budget in a little over one year, thanks to the support of the members,” he stated. Directed to the audience in the packed Auditorium, he offered the advice: “Participate in as many workshops as you can.” The 2nd part of the Opening Session was animated by Theo Thuis, at that time in his capacity as EPA Scientific Committee Chair. At the concluding Annual General Assembly, Thuis was elected President of EPA (see more ➜ “We are proud to be an official “EPA is your gateway to part of the 2025 European knowledge.” Mobility Week.” Theo Thuis, EPA President Tom Antonissen, EPA Executive Director Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 17
LEAD STORY ➜ on p. 23). In his opening statement, he gave an overview of the diversity of today’s parking space management. This is increasingly data- driven, with the addition of electric mobility and car parks becoming multifunctional hubs. Car parks themselves are “designed for people, not just cars,” said Theo Thuis. He added that he perceives “a spirit of enhanced partnership” in the industry. “We need to make our infrastructure intelligent.” Karen Vancluysen, Secretary General of POLIS The following on-stage debate brought together diverse viewpoints from Karen Van- cluysen, Secretary General of POLIS; Joost Vantomme, CEO of ERTICO – ITS Europe; Paola Cossu, CEO of FIT Consulting and Board Member of ALICE; and Dr. Giuliano Mingardo, Deputy Director of the Erasmus Centre for Urban, Port and Transport Eco- nomics at Erasmus University Rotterdam. Karen Vancluysen emphasized: “Public space is a powerful tool. The car is no longer king of the city.” For this reason, “the massive re-allocation is the biggest game changer.” Paola Cossu confirmed: “Parking is a private problem with a public impact.” The reason for that: “Parking space is also for the people.” “Understanding people’s behaviour is very important.” Dr. Giuliano Mingardo, Erasmus University Rotterdam According to Giuliano Mingardo, human behavior must be taken into account as well: “Car ownership will keep growing.” From his point of view, this must be acknowledged and dealt with. Joost Vantomme also looked at techno- logical developments: “The car of the future is similar to a smartphone.” He believes that self-driving cars, in particular, will be shared among several users in the future. They could also park themselves automatically and to- gether these evolutions could reduce the amount of parking space required to date. Policy Session In the first Policy Session dealing with ‘Re- shaping Urban Space’, the Conference’s main theme, representatives from European cities and regions spoke with delegates from or- ganizations in the mobility sector. Among other things, they explored the extent to which technology can optimize parking space management. Olivier Asselin, from the French city of Lille and Chair of the POLIS Parking WG, ad- vocated “effective enforcement” and the use of scan cars. Eric Simon, Parking Depart- ment of the Baden-Württemberg Transport Ministry, also supported the collection of mobility data using technology. “Parking management must be used strategically.” Laurence A. Bannerman, EPA President Emeritus Laurence A. Bannerman, EPA President Emeritus and AIPARK (Italian Parking Associa- tion) Secretary General, stated: “The parking sector is perfectly capable of applying tech- nology.” However, he added that the authori- ties are often hesitant in this regard. In his view, data can be very helpful in persuading urban decision-makers. It must be made clear to those responsible that parking space man- agement can be used strategically. Inciden- tally, parking is not limited to cars; it applies to all vehicles and modes of transport. Moderator Ivo Cré, Director of Policy and Projects at the European city network POLIS, asked whether parking was becoming a competitive service. The Polish representa- tive in the panel, Tomasz Zwolinski, City of Krakow, answered in the affirmative: “We are actually looking for more technology and changes in our IT solutions.” Glenn Godin from NGO Mobiel21, Belgian partner of the European ParkPAD/Park4SUMP project, spoke about the financing of new techno- logical aids such as sensors and guidance systems. He addressed the audience mem- bers who came from private companies: “We are inviting private operators to the table.” Eric Simon agreed: “We need the private sector to get rid of on-street parking.” Ulti- mately, he said, the prevalence of off-street parking is a question of price: “On-street must be more expensive than off-street,” the German representative stated firmly. “The private sector is the key to implementation.” Successful new format: Sponsored Workshops Sponsored workshops were a new and suc- cessful addition to the event. These were or- ganized by companies from the parking indus- try and were mostly presented and moderated by their representatives. Renowned speakers were invited to discuss current industry topics in a relaxed and interactive atmosphere. Thanks to the suitable size of the premises, the sponsors included: APCOA, Arrive, Autopay, GreenFlux, Indigo, Interparking, Q-Park, Quinta Consulting and SKIDATA. Resilience and Military Preparedness A workshop sponsored by the Interparking Group addressed a topic that has so far been discussed with a certain degree of reluctance within the industry. Now the concept of “Resilience and Military Preparedness” for car parks in Europe is gaining attention, par- ticularly in the context of urban security and infrastructure protection. The workshop ex- plored how parking facilities can contribute to broader security strategies. The session was moderated by Roland Cracco, EPA Board Member, President of the 18 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 h u R o k r a M : ) s o t o h p l l a ( ©
LEAD STORY Policy Session about “Reshaping Urban Space – Parking Policy & Management in the Context of Urban Mobility & SUMPs”. sPark President was also able to provide specific information about the investment costs. The Swiss estimate that a bunker for 5,000 people would cost an additional 2,000 Swiss francs (approx. 2,175 euros) per per- son, for a total of 10 million Swiss francs (ap- prox. 10,875 million euros). Also For Civil Crises This was followed by a presentation by Ma- nuel Barrios, President of ASESGA, the Span- ish parking association. He was impressed by the Swiss arrangements. “It’s great to learn from other countries,” he said. In addi- tion to protection from military conflicts, underground car parks and multi-storey car parks can also offer protection and refuge in other crisis situations, according to Barrios. The Spanish parking president recalled the recent natural disasters that his country had suffered. In the floods of 29 October 2024, over 200 people died and 130,000 cars were destroyed. “This taught us that resilient mo- bility is national security,” Manuel Barrios noted. At the end of the session, Roland Cracco pointed out the difference between old and new buildings: “Measures such as reinforced structures can improve resilience.” He sum- marized by saying that increased military budgets could help to make parking facilities part of a city's preparedness plan, ensuring mobility and logistics support during any type of emergencies. ➜ Belgian Parking Federation and CEO of the Interparking Group, who introduced the top- ic. He referred to the rising defense spending in most EU countries, which is also leading to additional investments in infrastructure. Ac- cording to Cracco, underground car parks could also play a role in this geopolitical re- ality. They offer good stability and protec- tion against bombing and, in the event of a crisis, can also be used as hospitals, for school industrial production or press conferences. This is exactly what has been done in Kiev. Underground car parks can also serve a special purpose in civil cri- ses. In Salzburg, for example, emergency ac- commodation for refugees was set up in a multi-storey car park in 2015. lessons, Switzerland’s Shelter Strategy The same workshop featured a presentation by Damien Zuber, SwissPark President, who illustrated how Switzerland has been pre- paring civil defence facilities by law for dec- ades – including in underground car parks. Since 1963, Switzerland has been obliged by law to build shelters for every resident. To date, the Alpine republic has 370,000 shel- ters, providing a minimum of one square meter of protected space for each of its nine million inhabitants. These shelters operate independently and are designed to protect against the use of nuclear, chemical and bio- logical weapons. Quite a few of these bunkers in Switzer- land are also located in underground car parks. Damien Zuber showed diagrams illus- trating how, in a specific case, 456 beds can be set up in 23 parking spaces in an emer- gency, where people can stay safely for at least 5 days. The ‘bunker underground car parks’ are equipped with armored doors, ventilation systems, filled water tanks and toilets. Iodine tablets are among the sup- plies available for nuclear attacks. The Swis- Roland Cracco, EPA Board Member, President of the Belgian Parking Federation and CEO of the Interparking Group Damien Zuber, SwissPark President Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 19
LEAD STORY New EPA President Theo Thuis being interviewed. ➜ 2025 European Parking Conference & Exhibition – Day 2 Highlights After an exciting first day that ran from early morning to late evening, Day 2 followed a more compact program. With all sessions held in the morning, participants could choose from a series of focused, high-en- gagement sessions and workshops before gathering for a final networking lunch. The afternoon was dedicated to the Closing Ses- sion, followed by EPA’s Annual General As- sembly (for members only). Launch of the European Women in Parking (E-WiP) Initiative One of the special moments of Day 2 was the official launch of European Women in Park- ing (E-WiP), a new EPA initiative dedicated to strengthening diversity, equity and leader- ship in the parking and mobility sector. Sponsored by EPA Corporate Members Auto- matic Systems and Autopay, the session opened with Giovanna Piras (Automatic Sys- tems, EPA Board Member & E-WiP Co-Chair), who presented the network’s vision, objec- tives and its first major project: a mentoring program set to begin in 2026. A dynamic panel moderated by Yasmin Jefferies (BPA/EPA & E-WiP Co-Chair) fol- lowed, exploring both the strategic rele- vance of the initiative and the personal expe- riences that make such networks essential. Hannah Fuller (Unity5 & BPA Women in Park- ing) shared insights from the BPA’s journey in building similar programs in the UK, em- phasizing the importance of “finding your tribe” and the value of supportive profes- sional communities. The session concluded with an open floor for participants to share ideas and expectations for the network’s de- velopment under the EPA umbrella. Participants described the launch of Euro- pean Women in Parking as one of the most motivating sessions of the day, with several noting that they “felt very inspired after- wards” and emphasizing how important they believe the initiative is for the sector. Dele- gates highlighted the positive energy of the session and the sense of purpose it created, calling it an encouraging start for a network they see as both timely and necessary. “I felt very inspired afterwards.” — Delegate feedback AI in Parking & Mobility – A Full House for Future Thinking Another of the day’s most popular work- shops was the AI in Parking & Mobility ses- sion, sponsored by Quinta Consulting. The discussion explored how artificial intelli- gence could support pricing optimization, operational decision-making and long-term mobility planning. Contributions came from EPA Corporate Members Wouter Steenstra (Monit Data) and At the EPA Conference the European Women in Parking (E-WiP) network was officially launched. 20 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 t e v u o L r e d n a x e l A / A P E : ) s o t o h p l l a ( ©
LEAD STORY Dennis Krijgsman (Commend International); Dr. Bernd Bienzeisler & Vincent P. Göbels (Fraunhofer IAO), with moderation by Dr. Mark Friesen (Quinta Consulting). Participants highlighted this workshop as one of their favorites in the post-event sur- vey, because the topic is “hot at the mo- ment” and the session offered real-world ex- amples backed by data rather than abstract theory. Delegates appreciated gaining new insights through concrete cases and honest reflections on both successes and challenges — the kind of practical experience they said they could “learn from and get inspired by.” “Real-world examples backed by numbers — not just theory.” — Delegate feedback Paving the Way for Automated Valet Parking (AVP) The partner workshop hosted with the EAVP (Enhancing Automated Valet Parking) innova- tion platform drew strong engagement from participants interested in the next phase of parking automation. Speakers Frank Daems (ERTICO/EAVP), Markus Schneider (EPA/ EAVP), EPA Corporate Members Sarab Tay- Guyot & Manu Bhargava (Valeo) and Klara Svejdova (SKIDATA) presented a rounded pic- ture of the current AVP landscape — from market gaps and technological advances to standardization and end-user expectations. Moderated by Marzena Jougounoux (CCAM Association Head of Office), the ses- sion highlighted the importance of collabo- ration across OEMs, operators, service pro- viders and authorities. The EAVP platform, currently chaired by EPA’s Theo Thuis, out- lined how its coordinated technical and mar- keting efforts aim to create a shared road- map for deploying AVP systems in real-world environments. “All new themes with high societal value, positioning the parking industry in a new way — with more societal relevance.” — Delegate feedback Mastering EV Charging in Parking – From Strategy to Execution EV charging was another high-interest topic, explored in depth in the GreenFlux work- shop. With electric vehicle adoption acceler- ating across Europe, the session examined how parking operators themselves can tran- sition into charge point operators (CPOs). Led by Rogier Wissink, Head of Customer Solutions at GreenFlux, the workshop shared best practices from implementations across Europe — covering revenue models, cus- tomer expectations, operational pitfalls, in- teroperability requirements and long-term infrastructure planning. Participants appre- ciated the workshop’s practical tone and clear guidance on how EV charging can be- come a competitive advantage for operators. “It was very insightful and thought-provoking on EV charging.” — Delegate feedback Closing Session – A Sector in Transformation The EPA Conference concluded with a key- note address by André Sobczak, Secretary General of Eurocities, who emphasized the need for close cooperation between cities, parking operators and mobility actors to de- liver people-centered and sustainable urban environments. Following a more in-depth exploration of possible joint actions between Eurocities and EPA by Tom Antonissen (EPA Executive Director), closing remarks from Dr. Giuliano Mingardo (Erasmus UPT) and Theo Thuis (at the time, EPA Scientific Committee Chair) brought the main themes of the two-day event into sharp focus. They reflected on how the sector has shifted from being “In 15 years we moved from being unwelcome in cities to being a recognized part of the solution.” — Closing session ➜ “Hot Topic”: Workshop on pricing optimization, operational decision-making and long-term mobility planning. Overview of discussions on current Automated Valet Parking (AVP) develop- ments in this workshop Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 21
LEAD STORY ➜ Closing remarks came from: Theo Thuis (at the time, EPA Scientific Committee Chair)… viewed as not particularly appreciated by cities to now being recognized as a core ena- bler of sustainable mobility, resilient infra- structure, urban logistics and EV adoption. Speakers underlined that parking infra- structure is no longer just about cars; it has become strategic urban infrastructure. The sector now sits at the crossroads of shared mobility, logistics, charging networks, safety requirements, AI-enabled operations and even civil defence. Yet with this expanded role come new pressures. The closing session highlighted the sector’s biggest strategic dilemmas: • balancing public and private interests • shifting from car-first to people-first space allocation • ensuring EV charging is widely available but not left unused • managing the tension between on-street and off-street demands • securing mobility systems in an era where cybersecurity is non-negotiable Conference Proceedings For those who would like to explore the full scope of the program, all workshops, ple- naries and session topics can be found on the dedicated conference website: www.epaconference.eu The complete conference proceedings are available here: www.europeanparking.eu/proceedings Interviews, highlights and behind-the-scenes impressions from Brussels can also be viewed on the EPA YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@EuropeanParkingAssociation Together, these resources offer a comprehensive look back at a conference that com- bined strong content and a genuine spirit of cooperation across Europe’s parking and mobility community. Keep watching EPA’s communication channels for upcoming in- person events in 2026, leading to the 22nd edition of the sector’s flagship conference in 2027! 22 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 … Dr. Giuliano Mingardo (Erasmus UPT)… … and Tom Antonissen (EPA Executive Director) • delivering functional, integrated mobility hubs The shared message was clear: these chal- lenges can only be solved together. Cities need revenue from parking yet aim to reduce car presence; shared mobility often depends on on-street access while policy pushes off- street; EV uptake must grow while usage pat- terns remain unpredictable. Parking sits at the centre of all these competing demands. “Only by working together — public and private — can we solve these conflicting interests.” — Closing session Despite these tensions, the tone was for- ward-looking. Over the past 15 years, the sector has gained a seat at the table with or- ganizations such as ALICE and POLIS — part- ners who, as speakers noted, “didn’t even know we existed” a decade and a half ago. Today, the industry is recognized as part of the solution and as a stakeholder carrying real responsibility for shaping the mobility systems of tomorrow. Annual General Assembly Immediately after the Conference ended, EPA held its Annual General Assembly among its members, during which Theo Thuis was unanimously elected the new EPA President by all 17 of EPA’s 20 national asso- ciations who had remained in Brussels till the very end. See page 23 for the full story. Conclusion Post-event feedback reflected the strong, positive atmosphere that marked the three days in Brussels. Delegates praised the or- ganization, the flow of the program and the welcoming spirit of the EPA volunteer lead- ership and team. Several participants high- lighted the smooth logistics and overall event design, calling it “a nicely planned conference” that “went quite smoothly” and was “very well organized and productive.” The hospitality also stood out, with partici- pants noting that “the food at the event was excellent” and that the breaks and network- ing opportunities were “very well organized.” Many appreciated the first-night welcome re- ception, described as “a really nice event,” and the consistently warm support from the EPA staff throughout. The feedback on the 2nd evening’s networking reception and walking dinner was more mixed however, prompting the organizers to consider return- ing to a more traditional seated dinner during the next edition foreseen in 2027. ■ t e v u o L r e d n a x e l A / A P E : ) s o t o h p l l a ( ©
EPA NEWS 2025 General Assembly EPA Elects Theo Thuis as New President and Several New Board Members The European Parking Association (EPA aisbl) is entering a new chapter with the election of a new President and four members to its Board of Directors. The election took place during EPA’s 2025 General Assembly, held on the final day of the 21st European Parking Conference & Exhibition in Brussels — a fitting conclusion to an inspiring week that brought together parking and mobility professionals from across Europe. A t the helm of the new Board is Theo Thuis, who was unanimously elect- ed President of EPA aisbl for the 2025–2027 term, upon nomination by the Bulgarian Association for Parking and Sus- tainable Urban Mobility (BAPSUM). Theo succeeds the BPA-nominated Nigel Wil- liams, who stepped down after three years, during which he oversaw EPA’s internal reor- ganization and move to Brussels. Nigel will continue to support the Association as its President Emeritus and permanent guest member of the Board. Joining Theo in the new leadership team is Peter Dingemans (VEXPAN) as newly elected Vice President. Together with cur- rent Vice President Michael Kesseler (Bun- desverband Parken), the three make up EPA’s Executive Committee (ExCo), support- ing Executive Director Tom Antonissen with the daily management of the Association. Peter replaces former EPA Vice President Stefan Sadleder (WKO), who was subse- quently elected to the Policy & Strategy Committee1. A brand new addition to the EPA Board is APCOA CEO Nicola Veratelli, who joins as a representative of the Full Members upon nomination by AIPARK. Two members, Indigo CEO Sébastien Fraisse (nominated by FNMS) and Morten Hother Sørensen (Arrive, formerly Easy- Park), were re-elected, reaffirming the mem- bers’ support for continuity and expertise that underpin EPA’s strategic direction. The full Board now represents a valuable mix of national associations and corporate members from across Europe, with the re- maining members (who will be up for elec- tion in 2026) Philip de Brabanter (MD Q-Park Belgium, nominated by the BPF), Christian Tønnevold (NORPARK), Manuel Barrios (ASESGA), Giovanna Piras (Auto- matic Systems), James Toal (SKIDATA), and Interparking CEO Roland Cracco. With six candidates running for five open positions (the BPA‘s Manny Rasores was not elected to the Board but subsequently co- opted to re-join the Policy & Strategy Com- mittee), this year’s election demonstrated once again the high level of engagement and volunteering leadership that exists within the EPA community. The newly elected Board will guide the Association through the next year, continuing its focus on increasing its footprint at the EU level in Brussels while ensuring knowledge exchange across Eu- rope’s parking and mobility ecosystem2. ■ 1 See https://europeanparking.eu/policy-strategy- commitee/ 2 For a full overview of the Board and their profiles, please see https://europeanparking.eu/board/ From left to right: EPA Executive Director, Tom Antonissen with Board members Christian Tønnevold, Morten Hother Sørensen, Sébastien Fraisse, Michael Kesseler, Theo Thuis, James Toal, Roland Cracco, Giovanna Piras, Nicola Veratelli, Manuel Barrios, Philip De Brabanter, Peter Dingemans A P E © Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 23
EPA NEWS “Proud Member of EPA” Corporate Members – Join Us! The European Parking Association (EPA) has been leading the way in Europe’s parking sector since 1983! As an umbrella organization, EPA brings together national parking associations and corporate members. Corporate Members of EPA M U N I T A L P D L O G R E V L I S APCOA Group www.apcoa.com Arrive www.arrive.com/en INDIGO GROUP www.group-indigo.com Interparking www.interparking.com Q-Park www.q-park.com Best in Parking www.bestinparking.com Riverty ww.riverty.com SETEX APARKI www.gruposetex.es Skidata www.skidata.com Autopay www.autopay.io/solutions Avantpark www.avantpark.de BSM https://bsmsa.cat/en Fondation des Parkings www.geneve-parking.ch/fr GOLDBECK Parking Services www.goldbeck-parking.de PayByPhone www.paybyphone.de Scheidt & Bachmann Verra Mobility www.scheidt-bachmann.com www.verramobility.com 24 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025
EPA NEWS E PA’s primary goal is to foster cooperation between profession- al parking organizations across different European countries. By exchanging professional experience among its members, EPA helps to improve smart parking management and urban mobili- ty across Europe whilst driving innovation and progress in the park- ing sector. Join us and see your logo included on the ’Corporate Members list’ in the next issue of Parking Trend International! We of- fer four options for Corporate Membership, each with different levels of benefits. For detailed information about the different categories of Corporate Membership see: https://europeanparking.eu/membership-categories/ ACCS International www.accsinternational.com Amano www.amano.eu Arivo https://arivo.co Asteroidea Automatic Systems https://asteroidea.co www.automatic-systems.com Be-Mobile www.be-mobile.com Billogram www.billogram.com BOE Parking www.boe-parking.at CAME Parkare www.cameparkare.com CCV Group www.ccv.eu City Park https://citypark.gr coeo Inkasso www.coeo-group.ai Commend DCBL – Direct Collection Bailiffs Ltd. Demondo www.commend.com https://dcbltd.com www.demondo.com DESIGNA www.designa.com EFAFLEX www.efaflex.com Egis www.egis-group.com ETI Experts www.eti-experts.de FairParken www.fairparken.com FIFI4PARKING i www.fifi4parking.nl GreenPoint www.greenpoint-partners.com Hectronic GmbH www.hectronic.com Huber Parking https://huber-parking.com HUB Parking Technology www.hubparking.com E Z N O R B Imperial Civil Enforcement Solutions Infotrafic www.imperial.co.uk www.infotrafic.com Indigo Park Luxembourg www.group-indigo.com/fr/ Monit Data www.monitdata.com Nayax www.nayax.com Nordisk Profil GmbH www.nordisk-profil.de Orbility www.orbility.com Park.Aero https://agency.park.aero/en/ ParkDots s.r.o. www.parkdots.com Parking Matters Limited https://parkingmatters.com Parkster www.parkster.com Primevest www.primevestcp.com Projekt w www.projekt-w.de Smart Parking SpecifAi Parking www.smartparking.com www.specifai-parking.com Survision TKH Security www.survisiongroup.com https://tkhsecurity.com/ VALEO www.valeo.com Wemolo GmbH www.wemolo.com Yespark www.yespark.fr Yunex Traffic www.yunextraffic.com Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 25
EPA NEWS | Corporate Member Portraits Making Barcelona an Accessible, Organized, and Environmentally Friendly City EPA SILVER MEMBER Barcelona de Serveis Municipals (BSM) is a public company owned by the Barcelona City Council that manages a wide range of municipal services and facilities in the city. Its goal is to im- prove citizens’ quality of life through efficient, sustainable, and innovative urban management. BSM operates in sectors such as mobility, culture, leisure, and environmental services. Aparcaments BSM is a division of BSM responsible for managing public car parks across Barcelona. It promotes smart and sustain- able mobility by offering parking facilities, electric vehicle charg- ing points, and digital services that make urban mobility easier and more efficient. Together, BSM and Aparcaments BSM contrib- ute to a more accessible, organized, and environmentally friend- ly city. Pioneer in Digital Parking Payments EPA SILVER MEMBER Founded in 2001, PayByPhone is a global leader and pioneer in digital parking payments. For more than two decades, the com- pany has built deep expertise supporting an extensive network of cities, parking operators, enforcement agencies, and businesses to simplify parking payments through a comprehensive suite of digital payment solutions. PayByPhone’s technology is trusted by more than 1,300 cities, operators, and organizations across North America and Europe. Each year, PayByPhone processes nearly $1 billion in payments for over six million monthly active users and has surpassed 110 million app downloads worldwide. Part of the Corpay Group since 2023, PayByPhone is expand- ing beyond parking payments into broader mobility payment so- lutions, including parking availability and EV charging, with more innovations to come. By enabling smarter, more connected jour- neys through seamless mobility payments, PayByPhone helps cities, operators, and drivers simplify every step of the mobility experience. www.paybyphone.com Solutions that make a real contribution to society EPA BRONZE MEMBER Yunex Traffic’s enforcement solutions are deployed worldwide, with over 6,000 enforcement cameras in operation across both the UK’s Strategic Road Network and in over 50 towns and cities, supporting civil and criminal enforcement applications as well as free flow tolling and the enforcement of Clean Air Zones. The ma- jority of London Boroughs use our class leading ANPR and video analytics to enforce bus lanes, yellow box junctions, school streets and a variety of other moving traffic contraventions, with authorities outside London also choosing our civil enforcement solutions. London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone, as well as Clean Air Zones in Birmingham, Sheffield, Newcastle and Portsmouth use our enforcement cameras. Formerly the ITS Business of Siemens Mobility, Yunex Traffic is now a separately managed company of the Mundys Group. We are 3300 employees, active in over 40 countries worldwide. In the UK, we build on an unrivalled and distinguished history spanning many decades – innovating, developing and manufacturing solu- tions for our customers that make a real contribution to society. 26 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025
EPA NEWS k c o t s r e t t u h S © EPA Manifesto 2025–2030 A Vision for Safe, Sustainable and Future-Ready Mobility With new policy debates shaping the future of mobility across Europe, the parking and urban mobility sector faces rapidly shifting expectations. Climate resilience, electrification, digitalisation, and evolving patterns of urban life are reshaping how people and goods move through cities. Against this backdrop, the European Parking Association has developed the EPA Manifesto 2025– 2030—a forward-looking political “wish list” that sets out our vision for the sector over the next five years. P resented to the EPA Board at the end of October and subsequently to the national parking associations for con- sultation, the draft Manifesto builds on sev- eral years of strategic planning. It follows the “EPA 2.0” Action Plan of November 2022 and is fully aligned with the EPA aisbl Activity Plan 2024–2026, adopted by the General As- sembly in September 2023 and further fine- tuned during the following years. Together, these internal documents reflect our ambi- tion to establish EPA as a constructive and knowledgeable partner for European policy- makers as the current EU mandate begins to hit cruising speed. The Manifesto outlines our mission, long- term objectives, and key recommendations for the future of parking and urban mobility. At its heart are five policy priorities that were outlined to the EPA members at the General Assembly in September 2024 and further re- fined during the 2025 Conference: 1) Safe, Sustainable & Resilient Infrastructure Europe’s parking infrastructure must re- spond to increasing digital and physical risks—from cyberattacks to climate-related extremes and military preparedness. EPA advocates for multifunctional facilities that support daily mobility while also providing emergency capacity during crises. Sustaina- bility runs through this entire priority, from smart parking management that reduces congestion and emissions to preparing for ESG requirements and net-zero objectives. 2) Electromobility Integration Parking is becoming a cornerstone of the EU’s clean mobility and renewable energy ambi- tions. EPA calls for a more realistic, propor- tionate rollout of charging infrastructure, sup- ported by clear standards, transparent pric- ing, and harmonised safety rules. We continue to closely monitor national implementation of key EU legislation such as the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) and the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD), and we actively contribute to EU work on EV fire safety through initiatives like the Sustainable Transport Forum. 3) Effective Enforcement Fair access to parking depends on credible, interoperable enforcement systems. EPA promotes better cross-border cooperation— ideally through EU-wide information ex- change mechanisms such as EUCARIS—as well as improved digital access to vehicle data to support free-flow parking enforce- ment. Reducing misuse of disabled parking permits also remains a key concern, espe- cially as the new European Parking Card sys- tem rolls out over the next years. 4) Urban Logistics Optimization & Kerbside Management As cities become more complex, kerbside space is increasingly contested. EPA sup- ports dynamic loading zones, bookable de- livery bays, and smart pricing to reduce con- gestion and support greener last-kilometer logistics. Our involvement in EU-funded pro- jects such as DISCO1 underlines the sector’s role in integrated urban delivery strategies. 5) Digitalisation & Data-Driven Solutions Digital transformation is accelerating. EPA advocates for open, interoperable data sys- tems that support innovation while protect- ing business confidentiality and fair compe- tition. We remain an active voice in the im- plementation of the EU ITS Directive and the National Access Points (NAPs), continuing to promote APDS2 as the global standard for parking data exchange. With this Manifesto, which will be pub- lished in its final form in December, EPA sets out a clear vision: a parking sector that sup- ports clean, safe, resilient and intelligently managed mobility across Europe. ■ 1 See https://discoprojecteu.com/ 2 See https://allianceforparkingdatastandards.org/ Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 27
EPA NEWS k c o t s r e t t u h S ) 2 ( © Inside the EPA Working Groups Current Work and New Directions As each of the EPA Working Groups held a workshop during the 21st European Parking Conference, this edition offers a timely overview of their current activities and future priorities. We also take the opportunity to highlight the creation of our newest group: the Communications Working Group. EPA Working Groups are open to all EPA members. Mem- bers interested in joining or learning more are warmly invited to contact the EPA Secretariat at epa@europeanparking.eu. Electromobility WG Chaired by Peter Dingemans (VEXPAN & EPA Board Member) The former EVs & Fire Safety WG was recently rebranded as the Electromobility WG, reflect- ing the fact that the impact of EVs in parking goes far beyond fire safety alone. As a first deliverable, in collaboration with engineer- ing consultancy ARUP, the WG developed the EPA Fire Safety Advice – Toolbox as a prac- tical reference for operators and authori- ties.1 The group is now exploring its next steps: including whether to enhance the Toolbox further and to open new workstreams that address wider electromobility topics such as EU legislation mandating charging infra- structure targets, operational best practices and integration within wider urban mobility strategies. By broadening its scope under the banner of “Electromobility”, the group aims to provide the EPA community with guid- ance that keeps pace with the rapid evolu- tion of EVs and their impact on parking facili- ties. Digitalisation and Data WG Co-chaired by Wilfried Thierry (Indigo) and Nigel Williams (Parking Matters Ltd & EPA President Emeritus) With the mission to make parking data usa- ble and interoperable for operators, cities and travellers across Europe, the Digitalisa- tion and Data WG was created to guide the sector through EU rules on intelligent trans- port systems (ITS) and data sharing. As its 28 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025
EPA NEWS first major output, the group produced the EPA Parking Data Essentials series, a set of documents, including an audit of parking data on National Access Points (NAPs), that explains what needs to be published, how to do it and why it matters for mobility and business in their daily operations2. Building on the Alliance for Parking Data Standards (APDS)3, which EPA co-founded to promote a common global language for park- ing data, the WG now focuses on helping the sector turn regulatory compliance into oppor- tunity. EPA experts work to demystify NAP publication requirements, promote harmo- nised data models and highlight the benefits for parking operators (both on- and off- street): innovation, integration with digital services and easier cooperation between public authorities and industry. Subgroups meet regularly, supporting national parking associations and individual operators with examples, education and hands-on guidance. Enforcement WG Co-chaired by Morten Hother Sorensen (Ar- rive & EPA Board Member) and Marco Siragu- sa (Verra Mobility) The Enforcement Working Group was launched in 2024 to tackle a crucial aspect of parking policy: how rules are actually en- forced on the ground. It builds on two regu- latory and technical campaigns that EPA un- dertook in 2023-2024, namely cross-border enforcement of parking infringements and the European Parking Card for persons with disabilities (with a focus on preventing fraud and abuse). Moving forward, the group is looking at practical issues such as access to national licence-plate databases to support ANPR-based enforcement, cross-border ex- change of information and, in cooperation with organisations representing cities and municipalities, similar issues with how Ur- ban Vehicle Access Regulations (UVARs) are implemented across Europe. European Women in Parking4 Co-chaired by Giovanna Piras (Automatic Systems & EPA Board Member) and Yasmin Jefferies (BPA) European Women in Parking (E-WIP) was of- ficially launched at the EPA Conference in Brussels on 18 September 2025 as both a working group and network dedicated to sharing experiences, supporting one anoth- er and elevating women’s careers in the parking and wider mobility sector. The initia- tive, spearheaded by the BPA in the UK, emerged from personal stories and panel discussions that highlighted how much the industry has changed, but also how under- represented women still are at management and board level. E-WIP aims to turn that insight into con- crete action. The group will provide net- working and mentoring opportunities, or- ganise webinars showcasing members’ achievements and work on recruitment practices that make the sector more attrac- tive to women. Plans include local chapters in different languages, advocacy for greater diversity on panels, working groups, and in policy discussions – creating a visible com- munity for women and their allies. Communication WG Chaired by Manuel Barrios (ASESGA & EPA Board Member) The newly launched Communication Work- ing Group marks an important step in strengthening how EPA positions itself with- in the parking community and to external stakeholders. Until recently, communication activities have been handled through indi- vidual projects or ad-hoc updates, and the creation of a dedicated WG reflects the need for a more coherent, strategic and forward- looking approach. Its initial mandate is to develop an EPA-wide communication strate- gy for implementation in 2026. Key areas under consideration include a review of the monthly EPA News newsletter5 (created ear- lier this year in support of the Conference marketing), an assessment of how to further develop and distribute the PTI quarterly magazine and a potential redesign of the EPA website and logo. tools, As the group defines its priorities, it will explore how best to modernise EPA’s com- munication improve consistency across social media channels such as Linked- In and YouTube, and ensure the Associa- tion’s messaging keeps pace with the expec- tations of members, partners and policy- makers. Through this work, the WG aims to further strengthen EPA’s visibility and rein- force its role as a leading voice in parking and urban mobility across Europe. ■ 1 See https://europeanparking.eu/epa-fire-safety- advice-toolbox-2/ 2 See https://europeanparking.eu/parking-data- essentials/ 3 See https://allianceforparkingdatastandards. org/ 4 See https://europeanparking.eu/e-wip/ 5 See https://europeanparking.eu/newsletter/ Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 29
EPA NEWS EPA Contributes to GOLIA Advancing Sustainable and Digital Mobility in Europe 2 025 was also the year when EPA aisbl became involved in a second EU-funded project, following DISCO, which has been described several times in previous PTI editions and also fea- tured strongly during the EPA Conference. The kick-off meeting took place in Rome last June, with Laurence Bannerman, one of EPA’s senior experts active in the project, attending. GOLIA is advancing the sustainable, digital and green transition with practical tools, methods and evidence-based recommendations to make transport systems more efficient, inclusive and environmen- tally friendly. k c o t s r e t t u h S ) 3 ( © 30 Closing the Gap While digitalisation holds great promise, it has not yet brought about a full transformation towards sustainability. Across Europe, many smart city initiatives are already using technology to reduce environ- mental impacts. However, governance systems often struggle to keep pace with rapid technological change, leaving a gap between innovation and implementation. GOLIA seeks to close this gap by developing truly transformative approaches that harness digital tools to advance sustainability in mobility. Innovations in ICT, IoT and AI are transforming how cities manage resources and deliver mobility services such as shared transport and Mobility as a Service (MaaS). These technologies can significantly improve efficiency and sustainability, but they also raise concerns about access and fairness, as new mobility models may risk deepen- ing existing inequalities. GOLIA is working to align local, regional and national mobility plans with the European Green Deal and the Sustainable Develop- ment Goals. Meeting these goals and creating truly sustainable and equitable transport systems demands a coordinated and interdisci- plinary approach. Strong collaboration is needed both vertically across governance levels and horizontally across sectors like climate, energy, health, logistics and education. Inclusive and Resilient Transport System Participatory approaches ensure that transport systems respond to different user groups, including vulnerable populations, while foster- ing transparency, accountability and trust. Building an inclusive and resilient transport system requires a strong understanding of users’ diverse and changing needs. Involving citizens and stakeholders in long-term visioning and policymaking is essential to co-design mo- bility solutions and monitor their impact. There are eight work packages in total, each containing several sub-categories, and EPA is actively involved in many of them. One of EPA’s key strengths in this project is its extensive network of member countries and associations, as well as its long-standing experience in the sector. At the EPA Conference 2027, we will be able to report on the pre- liminary results of GOLIA. The project’s overarching objective is to integrate the various components of mobility, and EPA’s main contri- ■ bution will focus on the parking dimension. Innovations in ICT, IoT and AI are transforming how cities manage resources and deliver mobility services such as shared transport and Mobility as a Service (MaaS). GOLIA pilot sites are being implemented in the cities of Pilsen, Florence and Antwerp. Parking trend international | no. 4-2025
EPA NEWS High-Profile Summit Event ‘EPA Parking Day’ Returns to Intertraffic Amsterdam 2026 A fter the enthusiasm and strong member engagement we saw in 2024, EPA is delighted to return to Intertraffic Amsterdam with its dedicated ‘EPA Parking Day’ program, hosted within the Intertraffic Summit on Wednesday, 11 March 2026. As the largest and most influential international exhibition for traffic technology and mobility professionals, Intertraffic provides an ideal platform for the parking sector to exchange expertise, showcase innovations, and strengthen its voice within the wider mobility ecosystem. This year’s Parking Day will feature a dedicated three-hour block of content-rich sessions in the morning, designed to highlight the parking sector’s growing strategic role in Europe’s mobility land- scape. h u R o k r a M ) 2 ( © EPA Vice President Peter Dingemans from VEXPAN, Netherlands at the ‘EPA Parking Day’ within Intertraffic 2024. Morning Summit Sessions The morning will feature a three-hour program of expert sessions. While the agenda is still being finalized, we are exploring themes such as the relationship between parking and traffic management, and the growing role of AI in parking and urban mobility — both of which generated strong interest at our September Conference. Final session topics and speakers will be announced soon. After the morning sessions, EPA members will be invited to a sit- down networking lunch, echoing the successful format we used two years ago. Intertraffic is a vast and bustling event, and this shared “on invitation only” lunch offers a welcome opportunity to pause, recon- nect, and exchange insights in a relaxed setting. It remains one of our most popular features, and we look forward to bringing our mem- bers together again! The afternoon will include an “open” EPA Board meeting to which we will invite our 20 national associations, offering mutual feedback, collaboration on shared interests and the chance to discuss strategic priorities for the year ahead. European Women in Parking In addition to the EPA Parking Day, we will also host an in-person Eu- ropean Women in Parking (E-WiP) networking session on Tuesday, 10 March, likely at the end of the day. The speakers will be announced soon, along with details of the format — including drinks, nibbles, and a relaxed space to connect with colleagues from across Europe. EPA members will be able to register free of charge through a dedicated link, which will be shared shortly. More program details and speaker confirmations will follow — so stay tuned! We look forward to welcoming you to Amsterdam for an- other vibrant and productive EPA presence at Intertraffic. ■ Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 31
EPA NEWS EPA Full Members Brief Insight into International Industry Summits Organized by European Parking Associations In no particular order, we take a brief look back at events organized during the previous months by national associations that are full members of EPA. This time we ‘visit’ Slovakia, the Netherlands and Germany. 20th Slovak Parking Association Anniversary Conference This year’s 20th anniversary SPA conference achieved a record number of 151 partici- pants – experts from local government and public administration offices, universities, operators, designers, manufacturers, and suppliers of the latest parking technologies and services. The conference was held under the aus- pices of the Slovak Republic‘s Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Sport. The newly elected EPA President Theo Thuis personally greeted the conference in a video presenta- tion. At the conference, twelve expert lectures and eight information presentations were presented by professional partners. Partici- pants pointed out the need to unify the legis- lative conditions for parking regulation, the necessity of collecting comprehensive data on parking spaces, on the number of resi- dents and visitors during the day, and the automation and digitization of parking con- trol in cities. The prerequisite for successful urban parking projects is cooperation be- tween city management and private compa- nies using the latest technologies. In conclusion, the conference partici- pants stated that 20 years of SPA activity have brought positive changes in the in- troduction of regulated parking in Slovak cities, namely in the areas of operation, legislation, and cooperation with the pri- vate sector. Gala evening celebrating the 20th anniversary of SPA in Reduta, Spisska Nova Ves. Presentation of awards to founding members of SPA: (from left) Peter Poloma, Igor Dula, and Milan Taska. A P S © 32 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025
EPA NEWS “Parking in transition”: Vexpan National Parking Congress 2025 in Bunnik. Vexpan National Parking Congress 2025 The Vexpan National Parking Congress 2025 took place on Thursday, 30 October at the Postillion Hotel in Bunnik. The event focused on “Parking in transition: creating space for tomorrow’s living environment” and brought together over 200 parking professionals. Highlights included keynote presentations on the future of mobility and AI in parking, engaging breakout sessions on topics such as fire safety, reducing car use in cities, cy- bersecurity, and behavioural change, and lively discussions on how to foster a sustain- able urban environment. The day ended with a plenary reflection, emphasizing that the transition in parking is not just a techni- cal adjustment, but a human shift. Kompetenzforum Parken (Parking Competence Forum) 2025 On 30 October, over 300 participants came to this year’s Parking Competence Forum of the German Parking Association in Würzburg to listen to a total of seven specialist presenta- l o M n e o K © tions on current topics in the parking indus- try and to exchange ideas and network dur- ing the breaks. Under the motto ‘from practice for prac- tice’, the forum addressed legal require- ments for the use of artificial intelligence, bicycle parking as a business model, cyber security and ISMS certification, platform so- lutions for parking and charging, after-work parking, e-commerce in parking space man- agement and architectural psychology. Be- tween presentations, the audience was able to participate in questions using the live on- line survey tool Mentimeter, as well as ask the speakers individual questions. The next Parking Competence Forum will take place again in Würzburg on 24 Novem- ber 2026. ■ h u R o k r a M © Venue of ‘Parking Competence Forum’ in Würzburg organised by the German Parking Association. Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 33
BEST PRACTICE c r a s e D , e r o o M m a i l l i W © Biggest Fastned stations so far: Flagship Gentbrugge. Fastned Unveils Flagship Gentbrugge Stations A Vision for the Future of EV Charging Fastned, a leading European fast charging company, has opened its largest EV charging stations to date with the new Fastned Gentbrugge rest area in Belgium, located on the E17 highway between Ghent and Antwerp to serve the approximately 26 million vehicles passing north and south each year. M ore than just a place to charge, Fastned Gentbrugge is a destina- tion that travellers will want to visit on their journey. This rest area allows drivers to relax, enjoy food and drinks, and take a charging break in green and pleasant sur- roundings. (from left) Spanish Minister of Industry Jordi Hereu, Fastned CEO Michiel Langezaal, country manager Spain Inma Cima Alongside 16 fast charging points of 400 kW each for EV drivers on each side of the high- way in an efficient drive-through layout un- der Fastned’s iconic Solar Tree canopies, Fastned Gentbrugge offers four fast chargers for electric trucks (two north, two south) alongside a spacious restaurant and a shop with 24/7 self-service operation. The location also offers clean and com- fortable toilets created with specialist part- ners ONE HUNDRED restrooms as well as warm showers, outdoor picnic tables, and a family play area within a landscaped and nature-inspired environment designed for people, not for cars. Sustainable Station Fastned Gentbrugge proves what is possible for the future of sustainable mobility. The entire site – over 8,000m2 across both sides of the highway – is fully electric (including the kitchen and retail area) with zero emis- sions during operations according to the provider. The entire site, previously a bare parking area, has been freshly landscaped to provide shelter from the highway, with d e n t s a F © greenery and newly-planted trees and flow- ers creating a peaceful space to rest during a long journey. Matthias Pletinckx, Country Director Fastned Belgium: “Fastned Gentbrugge is a proud flagship for our network in Belgium, bringing us close to 50 stations across the nation – and serving as a blueprint for how rest areas should look whether in Flanders, Wallonia and Brussels. With EV sales in 2025 up 25% year on year, we are building the long-term infrastructure to offer Belgian drivers impeccable charging, the best amen- ities and environments, and an experience they look forward to every time they stop for a break on their journey.” Fastned Opens First Stations in Spain In Octobre 2025, Fastned officially inaugu- rated its first two stations in Spain, at the Garraf Norte and Garraf Sur service areas on the C-32 motorway between Vilanova i la Geltrú and Cubelles, Barcelona. Each station features four fast chargers for a combined total of 16 charging points of up to 400 kW, 34 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025
BEST PRACTICE enabling drivers to gain up to 300 km of range in about 15 minutes. The stations were officially inaugurated on 9 October 2025 with representatives from the public and private sectors as well as pub- lic institutions including the Ministry of In- dustry and Tourism, the Generalitat de Cata- lunya, and the city councils of Vilanova i la Geltrú and Cubelles. Fastned’s arrival in Spain comes at a key moment for electric driving in Spain. Market share for EVs reached 9.4% in June 2025, with the number of fully-electric cars on the road already up 26% compared to 2024. Inma Cima, Fastned Spain Country Man- ager: “Our mission in Spain is clear, as in the other countries where we operate: to accel- erate the transition to ultra-rapid, high-qual- ity electric mobility accessible to all. These two charging stations represent a strong first step in our ambitious expansion plan.” d e n t s a F © Near Barcelona: The first Fastned station in Spain. Almost 50 Stations in Belgium Fastned Gentbrugge brings Fastned to 47 charging stations in Belgium and a total net- work of over 380 stations across 9 countries so far. By the end of 2025 the company intends to have opened 50 stations in Belgium and sur- passed 400 stations across Europe, powering millions of drivers to travel across borders with electric freedom. Fastned aims to have a network of 1,000 charging stations by 2030. ■ Daimler Buses Expansion of Public Charging Stations Starting in 2026, Daimler Buses will install its own public charging stations for electric buses and coaches, focusing on high-traffic tourist destinations in Europe—such as bus parking lots at amusement parks or in cities. The company aims to drive the expansion of high-performance charging infrastructure away from highways in the coming years. T his will enable electric buses and coaches to serve even remote travel destinations in the future – currently, this is only possible in very limited cases. The initiative will begin with a pilot project launched by the regional energy and climate protection agency NRW.Energy4Climate in cooperation with the City of Cologne: Four public fast-charging points for electric buses and coaches are set to be installed near the city centre next year. Daimler Buses is cur- rently the only bus manufacturer in Europe building its own public charging infrastruc- ture. Its subsidiary, Daimler Buses Solutions, will be responsible for planning, construc- tion, operation, and maintenance. Till Oberwörder, CEO of Daimler Buses: “The future of the bus is electric. However, G A k c u r T r e l m a D © i “The future of the bus is electric.” Till Oberwörder, CEO of Daimler Buses tions. Our new battery-electric intercity bus, the eIntouro, already connects cities and ru- ral areas. It is also suitable for shorter trips. These are currently the most practical appli- cations for electric buses and coaches out- side of urban public transport. The vehicle will already benefit from the expansion of public charging infrastructure. For long-dis- tance travel to far-flung or remote destina- tions, however, a comprehensive network is needed so that bus operators can use elec- tric coaches economically and without com- promising passenger comfort.” building the necessary public charging infra- structure is taking too long. We want to give an important impulse with our charging sta- Cologne as a Pilot Project The “Buspark Cologne” parking facility on Kuhweg, located west of the Rhine, is well- connected to local public transport via the ➜ Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 35
G A k c u r T r e l m a D © i BEST PRACTICE ➜ Slabystraße streetcar stop. The parking lot serves as a central location for all intercity buses and coaches taking tourists to Co- logne. Bus operators will be able to quickly charge their electric buses and coaches – re- gardless of brand – with green electricity. Unlike electric city buses, which serve short- er routes and are usually charged overnight at 50 to 80 kW, coaches require especially powerful charging solutions. The four new fast-charging stations will each provide a nominal output of 400 kW. The stations will be accessible to the public 24/7. Ascan Egerer, Deputy Mayor for Mobility, City of Cologne: “Cologne is a popular desti- nation for travel groups from Germany and l e n g o o C f o y t i C © “The fast-charging stations are an important step towards sustainable tourism in Cologne.” Ascan Egerer, Deputy Mayor for Mobility, City of Cologne Example photo of a near-production prototype Mercedes-Benz eIntouro at a public charging station operated by Milence. abroad. We want to support the shift to sus- tainable drives so that visitors will soon be able to arrive conveniently with zero-emis- sion buses. The fast-charging stations planned as a pilot project at the Kuhweg bus parking lot are therefore an important step towards sustainable tourism in Cologne. We are delighted to be a pilot city for this project – at the initiative of the regional energy and climate protection agency NRW.Energy4Cli- mate – and to drive the mobility transition forward together.” The city of Cologne aims to use the pilot project to determine how well the new pub- lic charging infrastructure for battery-elec- tric intercity and coaches will be received. Public Charging Infrastructure Daimler Buses Solutions GmbH works close- ly with experienced companies on these construction projects. The subsidiary financ- es both the charging stations and their oper- ation. Refinancing is achieved through the sale of electricity. After commissioning, Daimler Buses Solutions’ service team will handle maintenance and technical opera- tions. Property owners thus benefit from a turnkey charging infrastructure from one source – with no investment or major effort required. ■ Survision License Plate Recognition in Snow Snow can make life tough for License Plate Recognition (LPR) systems, especially when it’s piling up on plates or messing with camera visibility. Whether you’re running a parking lot, managing a toll road, or keeping a university campus secure, winter’s challenges can “throw a wrench” in your operations. Practical tips from the blog of LPR provider Survision. What Makes Snow a Problem for LPR Snowy weather hits LPR systems with a few big hurdles: • Plates Get Covered: Snow can pile up on license plates, obscuring letters and numbers, especially after a big storm or if a car has been parked for a while. • Visibility Takes a Hit: Falling snow, fog, or weak winter light makes images blurry, so cameras struggle to get a clear shot. • Lenses Get Blocked: Snow or ice sticking to camera lenses can disrupt captures, introducing distortion. • Glare Issues: Snow’s reflective nature can cause glare in certain lighting, throwing cameras off their game. These problems are a headache for parking integrators setting up ac- cess control. A missed plate because of snow can mean errors, delays, or security issues, so you need an LPR system that’s ready for winter. 36 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025
BEST PRACTICE Real-World Testing in Icelandic Conditions To better understand LPR performance in winter, real-world tests were conducted in Iceland, known for its extreme weather condi- tions—snow, limited daylight, and cold winds. The test involved 88 records and yielded a 99% overall performance rate using a dual- camera setup: • Only 1 record (1%) was a complete miss, failing to read both front • Contrast Boost: Enhancing contrast in dim or snowy conditions keeps plates clear. • Infrared Lighting: Infrared (IR) cuts through snow and fog, giving clean captures day or night. These features make modern LPR systems a solid choice for parking lots, toll roads, and campuses, ensuring you get reliable reads even in rough winter weather. and rear plates. • 14 records (15.9%) had at least one missed plate (either front or rear). • 4 records (4.5%) were unrecognizable due to non-visible plates (damaged, frosted, or non-reflective)—conditions beyond the reach of software correction. Additional Technical Considerations Stability of data transfer and real-time sync remained a factor to monitor in remote environments. Some visibility challenges (e.g., frosted or damaged plates) cannot be fully addressed by soft- ware—highlighting the role of physical infrastructure and mainte- nance. How Modern LPR Takes on Snow Today’s LPR systems are built to handle snow like a champ, thanks to some smart tech upgrades. Deep learning and advanced image pro- cessing let these systems keep working even when snow’s causing trouble. Here’s what’s making the difference: • Deep Learning: These systems can read plates that are partly cov- ered, angled, or shot in low visibility, pushing through snow’s chal- lenges. • Image Denoising: This clears out the noise from falling snow, mak- ing images sharper for better reads. Tips to Keep LPR Running in Snow Here’s some straightforward advice for integrators, users, and insti- tutions to make sure your LPR system stays solid in snowy condi- tions: • Go for Weather-Tested Systems: Pick LPR solutions that have been put through their paces in snow and other tough conditions. Ask vendors for proof of winter performance. • Get Tough Hardware: Choose cameras with high IP ratings (like IP66 or IP67) to stand up to snow, ice, and cold. Infrared is a must for low-light or foggy situations. • Place Cameras Right: Set cameras at entry/exit points or lanes to nail clear plate shots. Angle them to keep snow from piling up on lenses. • Use Dual Cameras: In places needing both plates, dual cameras give you a backup. Linked systems, like Survision’s, boost accuracy by picking the best image. • Stay on Maintenance: Check lenses regularly to clear off snow or ice. Heated lens covers can stop buildup before it starts, keeping your cameras crystal clear. Survision Guard is a tool that monitors your cameras 24/7 to ensure they’re always working optimally. If something happens, we send notifications ASAP to eliminate un- necessary downtime, so your system stays online even in the worst storms. ■ Survision gives in-depth insights on how to deal with one of the hardest conditions for LPR: snow. n o i s i v r u S ) 2 ( © Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 37
INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS X U L I R T © TRILUX / Hargassner Largest Timber-Constructed Car Park in Europe According to the project managers, it is the largest car park in Europe built from wood. Hargassner constructed a sustainable new building with around 500 parking spaces to increase parking capacity at the Weng site. The five-storey car park has a gross floor area of 13,500 m2 and consists of two sections, each with five levels, which are connected by a mezzanine floor. The intelligent, energy-efficient lighting comes from TRILUX. A s a pioneer in environmentally friendly heating using renew- able energy, the Austrian family-owned company Hargassner has been developing and selling innovative heating technol- ogy solutions centred around wood fuel for over forty years. The ex- pansion of its site in Weng im Innkreis also focussed on energy effi- ciency, sustainability and regional sourcing. This is why Hargassner chose wood – a renewable and natural building material – for its newly planned five-storey employee car park. Triflex’ smart and en- ergy-efficient Deveo Fit luminaires provide optimal lighting and low operating costs to match. 2,200 Cubic Metres of Timber A key design feature was that only the access ramps, stairwells, gable walls, and the diagonal bracing in the eaves were built using solid construction. All other elements – including supports, ceiling and roof beams, as well as ceiling and roof panels – are made of wood. More than 2,200 cubic metres of timber were used, all sourced locally to support regional sustainability. “Thanks to the sustainable timber construction, we have saved around 4,600 tonnes of CO2 compared to a conventional car park,” says Florian Pommer, Project Manager at Hargassner. Light, wood and nature Hargassner also placed great importance on sustainability in the lighting design. TRILUX already provided illumination in the produc- tion area with 500 Ondo high-bay luminaires, the producer then was self-impressed with the lighting concept for the multi-storey car park. Around 300 dimmable Deveo Fit moisture-proof luminaires were installed. These luminaires were networked, integrated with sensors, and connected to the existing building management system for control and monitoring. Another practical feature is the Lambertian light distribution, which creates a subtle ceiling illumination that highlights the wood- en ceilings. “The multi-storey car park is a highly visible statement of sustainable construction, demonstrating how aesthetics, regionality and environmental awareness can be perfectly combined,” explains Stefan Neumann, project manager at TRILUX, who implemented the project with Hargassner. ■ 38 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025
INNOVATIVE PRODUCTS Designa PARKETPLACE Connects Existing Parking Infrastructure with Online Providers and Parking Apps Urban mobility is currently undergoing a fundamental change. Driv- ers increasingly expect seamless, predictable parking solutions that are integrated into the overall system. Digital applications such as EasyPark, Parkster and PayByPhone already make it possible to find, use and pay for parking spaces via smartphone – often across coun- tries and with a consistent user experience. Traditional parking access and revenue control systems (PARCS) are reliable and robust, but they have limitations when it comes to integration with digital services. They were not originally designed for direct connection to third-party apps or cloud platforms. Opera- tors therefore face the challenge of connecting existing infrastructure to the apps that motorists are already familiar with, without having to replace entire systems or become dependent on a single provider. Intermediary software With PARKETPLACE, Designa offers a middleware solution – software that acts as an intermediary or translator between different applica- tions and connects operators, PARCS and third-party services. Ac- cording to Designa, the platform allows car parks to be connected to various digital sales channels, regardless of the PARCS system used. Operators can prioritise channels, configure access and generate re- ports while retaining full control over operations. PARKETPLACE is invisible to motorists. They interact exclusively with their chosen app, such as EasyPark, which they use to control entry and exit, payment and parking duration. The platform operates in the background, enabling the integration of external channels and eliminating the need for a separate web shop. Various operating procedures PARKETPLACE supports various operating procedures. In automatic mode, vehicles are recognised upon entry, the barrier opens auto- matically, and the parking duration is managed entirely via the app. In manual mode, on the other hand, the driver starts and ends the parking session himself via the app, for example when automatic recognition is not available. With ticket transfer, a parking session that has already started can be seamlessly transferred to a third-par- ty app without the operator’s intervention. The platform also offers configuration and reporting functions, for example for controlling sales channels or prioritising external provid- ers. Dashboards support operators and app providers in both opera- tional management and strategic decisions. According to Designa, PARKETPLACE facilitates access to larger user bases, promotes interoperability and creates a flexible system that maintains the stability of existing PARCS while enabling digital distribution. The platform thus lays the foundation for networked, efficient and user-oriented parking solutions in urban areas. ■ k c o t S e b o d A © Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 39
BACK GROUND k c o t s r e t t u h S © A recent German study came to the conclusion that accessible parking is climate-friendly. Study by Fraunhofer UMSICHT Lower CO2 Emissions Through Digital Parking Systems? No barriers, no parking tickets and digital payment options – camera-based free-flow parking systems are said to be more efficient, cause less congestion and protect the climate. In a recently published climate impact study commissioned by German operator ‘fair parken’, Fraunhofer UMSICHT investigated the climate impact of digital, camera-based parking systems compared to conventional barrier systems. A n alternative to parking spaces with barrier systems are digital parking solutions – known as free-flow sys- tems – which automatically record the vehi- cle’s number plate when it enters and exits a parking space. In addition to paying on site (without a parking ticket), the parking fee can also be paid online up to 48 hours after the parking time by entering the number plate. This eliminates barriers and parking tickets, and the system promises to reduce queues at the entrance and exit as well as waiting times at the pay station. Fraunhofer UMSICHT has now analysed the carbon foot- print of such digital parking solutions for ‘fair parken’ and published the results in its latest study in July 2025. In the independently verified climate im- pact study, the research institute specifically compared two management concepts – the barrier-free free-flow system and a classic barrier system – referring to a fictitious but representative paid off-street parking facility with 500 parking spaces. The aim was to de- termine the potential climate impact – meas- ured in CO2 equivalents – generated per management and billing process for parking space usage. Three different scenarios with varying traffic volumes were examined: a base scenario, a large-scale event scenario 40 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025
BACK GROUND tions, as the authors were unable to analyse traffic congestion empirically and only ex- amined the environmental impact category of climate change without considering pos- sible positive or negative rebound effects. “Future studies should focus on precisely these points: on the one hand, empirically proving that free-flow systems can actually prevent or reduce traffic congestion when traffic volumes are high, and on the other hand, investigating the effects of free-flow systems on usage behaviour, for example,” says Röttgen. Overall, the study results show climate benefits for digital free-flow parking systems compared to conventional barrier systems. In particular, the results from the baseline scenario without congestion provide a ro- bust initial assessment approach and a basis for further investigation. The study illus- trates that such systems, in combination with other measures to optimise traffic flow (e.g. traffic management systems and opti- mised transport links to parking facilities), make a positive contribution to the climate balance of parking. ■ The original publication of the study can be downloaded here: and a heavy traffic scenario. In addition, the digital payment scenario assessed the effect of switching to exclusively digital payment options in both systems. Free-Flow Systems Have a Better Carbon Footprint The results show that camera-based free- flow systems have a better carbon footprint than conventional barrier solutions. “With low traffic volumes and no congestion in the entry and exit areas (base scenario), green- house gas emissions of around 8 g CO2 equivalents per parking space management and billing process can be saved. This corre- sponds to a savings potential of around 31 per cent,” explains Janek Röttgen from the Sustainability and Participation Department at Fraunhofer UMSICHT. The advantages arise primarily from the fact that braking and acceleration manoeu- vres as well as stopping phases in front of the barrier are eliminated. In addition, no energy is required for the barrier system; the additional energy required for number plate recognition and data processing is negligi- ble. This effect is amplified as traffic increas- es. Assuming that free-flow systems can pre- vent traffic jams, around 28 g CO2 equiva- lents (49%, dense traffic scenario) can be saved per management and billing process in situations with higher traffic volumes compared to the barrier system. In extreme situations – e.g. large events with very heavy traffic – the savings can be even higher. As it was not possible to conduct an empirical study on traffic congestion in and in front of parking areas as part of the study, the results in the scenarios with increased traffic vol- umes are subject to corresponding limita- tions. Furthermore, it was shown that switching to exclusively digital payment op- tions in both systems leads to an improve- ment in the carbon footprint. Further Studies Advisable The study is based on a realistic calculation model for the fuel consumption/energy re- quirements of passenger cars and also in- cludes primary data from ‘fair parken’, man- ufacturer data, literature values and expert estimates, as well as data sets from profes- sional life cycle assessment databases. The results of the study are subject to limita- Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 41
BACK GROUND Blog article by Hitachi Rail Smart Parking: How Car Parks Will Become Mobility Hubs Car parks are evolving into a true mobility hub—connected, multifunctional spaces, integrated into the mobility ecosystem. Through digitalization and new technologies, they will increasingly offer services designed to enhance the user experience and promote sustainable mobility with the integration of electric charging and soft mobility. T o learn more about this transforma- tion, we spoke with Kenza Joual, Product Line Manager for the Parking business at Hitachi Rail. She shares her mis- sion, current innovations, and the strategic role that parking will play in the city of to- morrow. What drew you to the parking industry? I began my career in the automotive sector, working as a project manager on embed- ded software for all types of vehicles, in- cluding electric and hybrid models. At one point, I wanted to give my career a new di- rection, with a stronger focus on product strategy. The parking sector seemed particularly interesting to me because it is undergoing a major transformation, particularly thanks to digitalization. It is increasingly being in- tegrated into broader mobility initiatives. This role at Hitachi Rail has allowed me to work on various aspects of the product and on the strategic design of innovative park- ing solutions. My goal is to bring value to the sector with products that meet the challenges of smart and sustainable mobil- ity. How are digitalization and next-genera- tion technologies transforming parking? Digitalization and emerging technologies play a central role in transforming urban mo- bility systems. They enable smoother user journeys, more sustainable and secure mo- bility, and, above all, mobility that is more focused on user needs. In the parking sector, digitalization allows parking to be integrated into Mobility as a Service (MaaS) project, transforming simple parking into a strategic link in the mobility chain. venting more fraud. We are also working on integrating electric vehicle (EV) charging into car parks through a solution that unifies and simplifies access and payment for parking and electric charging, enhancing user expe- rience. What role will the parking sector play in the coming years? Parking is becoming a dynamic space, going far beyond it original parking function. It will increasingly integrate additional services that will make users’ daily lives easier and contribute to sustainable mobility. We can imagine car parks evolving into full-service hubs offering EV charging, car washing, bike or scooter repair and rental, and more. These hubs would provide easy access to other modes of transportation, helping to reduce urban congestion and improve quality of life in city centres. Parking will become an ena- bler of multimodal mobility. Kenza Joual, Product Line Manager for Parking at Hitachi Rail What are the latest innovations Hitachi is working on? We have developed a license plate recogni- tion solution using artificial intelligence, achieving excellent performance. Beyond simply reading license plates, these cameras can also identify vehicles by category, colour or brand, which enhances security by pre- k r a P - Q © 42 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025
BACK GROUND What digital trends will shape the future of parking? In the coming years, parking will continue to evolve to support the changes in the smart city and smart mobility. It will have this hub aspect that will connect parking and cities, with simple access and integration into mo- bility applications. To achieve this, parking must be fully integrated into MaaS plat- forms—positioned as a mobility service in it- self—enabling users to book everything through a single app. Dynamic pricing will also be a key trend. It will allow operators to adjust prices based on demand or offer more attractive rates in suburban areas, helping reduce congestion in city centres. Artificial intelligence will play a key role, particularly in optimizing servic- es, personalizing the user experience and developing decision-making tools for park- ing operators. What are the key skills needed in this sector today? Professionals in the sector must combine technological skills, such as data analysis or AI, with customer focus. They must also un- derstand the key issues and policies related to sustainable mobility, to be able to integrate parking solutions into a comprehensive vi- sion of the smart city. Understanding the ma- jor trends in mobility and technology is cru- cial for defining the product vision and ensur- ing that the parking of tomorrow supports changes in the sector and meets user needs. ty hub a reality? Undoubtedly, a collaborative approach. As car parks evolve into multifunctional spaces with integrated services, it will be necessary to collaborate with all stakeholders in the mobility ecosystem to maintain a compre- hensive vision. This means innovating, adopting an agile approach and remaining attentive to technological developments— particularly in the automotive sector— to of- fer appropriate solutions. It is essential to take into account the concepts of MaaS and the smart cities, and their evolutions, in or- der to position parking as a central compo- nent of this ecosystem. ■ What kind of approach will be necessary to make this vision of parking as a mobili- www.hitachirail.com/blog/smart-parking-how-car- parks-will-become-mobility-hubs/ Link to the Hitachi Rail blog: -Promotion- EFAFLEX Tor- und Sicherheitssysteme GmbH & Co. KG High-Performance Door Solutions for Maximum Safety and Efficiency in Car Park Facilities O perators of car parks and underground garages require reli- able access systems that enable seamless entry and exit, while preventing unauthorised access. EFAFLEX Tor- und Sicher- heitssysteme GmbH & Co. KG offers the ideal solution with its rapid-acting doors for the parking industry. While conventional garage doors typically handle only around 1,800 operational cycles per year, EFAFLEX’s rapid doors can achieve up to 400,000 load cycles annually in the premium ver- sion. High-quality materials and precise craftsmanship ensure a long service life and high operational safety—even with intensive use. The EFA-SST® PS, the fastest parking garage door in the world, has been specially developed for parking and garage sys- tems and can be used even in spaces with minimal room. “Next Generation” Spiral Doors as Customised Solutions The “Next Generation” spiral doors EFA-SST® Therm, EFA-SST® Alux, and EFA-STT® Clear offer high customisability and tailored equipment packages to deliver the best parking solutions for cus- tomers. Thanks to their rapid opening and closing speeds of up to 3.2 m/s, these doors ensure efficient traffic flow and minimise waiting times. Another key feature is safety: The short closing times com- bined with customisable safety features prevent unauthorised access and reduce the ingress of dirt. At the same time, intelligent sensor technology ensures that the doors stop immediately if per- sons or obstacles are detected. Thanks to a dense network of ser- vice technicians and sales partners, EFAFLEX also guarantees ■ quick support in case of malfunctions. www.efaflex.com Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 43
BACK GROUND CCV Parking Meets Charging: Why the Future Is Connected Parking facility operators, municipalities and charging infrastructure providers are facing a shared challenge. The mobility transition is changing both user expectations and infrastructure requirements. To stay competitive, parking and charging must be considered as part of one smart, seamless experience – says CCV. Why the Integration of Parking and Charging is Essential Electric vehicles are no longer a niche. For many drivers, charging while parking is simply expected. This creates a clear opportunity for operators of parking garages, underground facilities or municipal spaces. By offering charging points, they increase the attractiveness of their location and open up new revenue streams. At the same time, users expect a smooth overall experience. Find a parking spot, charge the vehicle, pay contactlessly. Ideally all in one place, with minimal steps. Technology Meets Convenience The integration of parking and charging infrastructure is becoming more automated. Parking systems can detect incoming vehicles, check the availability of charging points and guide users directly to them via app or parking guidance displays. Some systems even allow users to reserve a charging spot in advance, with integrated payment options. This helps avoid frustration and improves occupancy rates for both parking and charging. In larger parking facilities, kiosk or app-based solutions can offer additional flexibility. Instead of placing a terminal at every individual station, users can choose their charging point from a central loca- tion. CCV terminals support these scenarios with scalable setups that fit a wide range of environments. Modern protocols like OCPP (Open Charge Point Protocol) handle communication between hardware and backend systems. In parallel, OCPI (Open Charge Point Interface) plays an important role in ena- bling roaming and interoperability between networks. These stand- ards help operators gain more flexibility and ensure systems can grow with future demands. AFIR Requirements – Important, But Not Always Critical The EU’s AFIR regulation introduces mandatory card payment sup- port at public charging points. For new fast charging stations, this becomes a legal requirement from mid-2024. The UK already enforc- es similar rules. However, in typical parking scenarios where vehicles remain for longer periods, AC charging is often more suitable than fast DC charging. While AFIR is relevant for compliance, it may be less pressing for many parking setups focused on standard charging speeds. Still, the core requirement remains. Drivers must be able to pay directly at the charging point with debit or credit cards, without rely- V C C © ing on a specific app or contract. Integrating EMV-certified payment terminals, like those from CCV, helps operators meet this need and welcome spontaneous users such as tourists or fleet customers. User-Friendly Payment Systems One of the biggest success factors in the field is ease of use. CCV fo- cuses on reducing complexity through intuitive interfaces and robust hardware. Whether installed at individual stations or centrally locat- ed kiosks, the solutions are designed to be clear, fast and dependa- ble. Terminals support both offline and online transactions, and inte- grate seamlessly with apps, backend systems and charging plat- forms. Remote maintenance and regular updates keep systems secure and compliant. Looking Ahead: Smart Charging The connection between parking and charging infrastructure is still evolving. Looking to the future, additional features are gaining rele- vance. Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology allows vehicles to feed elec- tricity back into the grid while parked. Autonomous charging through robotics could make the process entirely hands-free. Wireless charg- ing can reduce hardware demands and increase convenience. Operators who start planning now will be better positioned to adopt these innovations, especially with a strong backend and pay- ment infrastructure already in place. ■ 44 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025
BACK GROUND Q-Park Strategic Mobility Hubs for Sustainable Urban Development Q-Park confirms that over 150 parking facilities have been awarded the Q-Park ’Mobility Hub’ label, signifying its role in multimodal transport integration and urban accessibility enhancement. The Mobility Hub label certifies that these parking facilities provide parking, charging, booking and sharing. T hese Mobility Hubs are connected to the Q-Park Parking as a Smart Service (PaSS) Platform, enabling digital parking solu- tions for motorists, businesses, cities and mobility partners. Q-Park’s Mobility Hubs are all strategically located to support sus- tainable urban mobility. They integrate parking with services such as electric vehicle (EV) charging, pre-booking propositions which re- duce search traffic, as well as car and bicycle sharing, and public transport is always within easy walking distance. To date, more than 50 are equipped with a special Mobility Hub signage, says Q-Park. Sustainable Mobility Partner Vision Q-Park Mobility Hubs are the cornerstone of the Sustainable Mobility Partner (SMP) Programme. According to the leading parking opera- tor, this initiative aligns with European and local mobility strategies to improve accessibility to city centres, enhance liveability through reduced congestion, promote sustainability and modal shift, support urban equity and climate adaptation. “Private vehicles remain part of a well-functioning city. However, we actively promote alternatives that contribute to a healthier urban environment,” says Theo Thuis, Managing Director Innovations. “By transitioning from on-street to off-street parking, we help cities re- claim public space for greenery, culture, and active mobility.” Alignment with Sustainable Urban Mobility Plans (SUMPs) Q-Park Mobility Hubs are designed to complement sustainable urban mobility plans and contribute to a safer and more inclusive urban environment. The aim is to create more space for pedestrians, cy- clists and green infrastructure. Joint planning with local authorities also focuses on climate resilience through water storage and emis- sion reduction. Q-Park engages with city officials and civil servants early in the planning process to co-develop mobility solutions tailored to local needs. Throughout the seven Western European countries in which the company operates, the Mobility Hubs are embedded within mu- nicipal mobility frameworks, serving as integral components rather than add-ons. Digital Eco-System and Traffic Transformation A digital platform run by Q-Park enables motorists, retailers, event venues, and hospitality providers to make seamless advance reser- vations. As visitors can drive directly to their pre-booked parking Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 space, inner-city search traffic becomes efficient destination traffic, improving traffic flow and accessibility. Q-Park Mobility Hubs offer extensive off-street EV charging infra- structure. Car sharing and micro-mobility providers are being inte- grated as alternative modes of transport, and direct access to public transport is being ensured. These features empower users to make informed, sustainable travel choices. ■ k r a P - Q © 45
Smarter Parking at Flanders Expo in Ghent F landers Expo in Ghent, one of Belgium’s INTERNATIONAL SOLUTIONS WPS largest event locations, has taken an im- portant step toward the future of parking. With its eight exhibition halls, multiple out- door parking areas, and thousands of visi- tors each year, the venue required a solution that could handle high volumes, offer flexi- bility, and integrate seamlessly with its own systems. book their parking directly through the Flan- ders Expo website, making parking reserva- tions part of the overall event experience. The project was not without its hurdles. The sales and implementation process took longer than usual due to the complexity of the site and the worldwide Covid-19 pan- demic. Ultimately, Flanders Expo opted for WPS because of its service-oriented ap- proach and the ability to provide a simple yet powerful API connection. Proven Partnership This is not the first collaboration between WPS and the Easyfairs group, which operates Flanders Expo. Three years ago, Antwerp Ex- po’s parking facilities were also equipped with WPS technology, ensuring consistency and reliability across locations. ■ S P W © A Complex Project The new parking system covers a total of 20 different entry and exit points, including inner car parks. Some of these are connected through 4G, ensuring reliability even where traditional cabling is less feasible. To accom- modate different vehicle types, double height terminals barriers were installed, making ac- cess easier for trucks and larger vehicles. Visitors and exhibitors can now benefit from five payment kiosks, ANPR (Automatic Num- ber Plate Recognition) for smooth access and exit, and WPS Pay for easy transactions. In addition, an API integration is being devel- oped that will allow exhibitors and guests to Scheidt & Bachmann Renewing Parking System in Goes S cheidt & Bachmann Parking Solutions recently won the tender from the mu- nicipality of Goes. The parking equipment manufacturer is currently starting to imple- ment this project. The market-leading specialist from Ger- many is renewing the entire parking man- agement system for the property in the Dutch municipality. Among other things, new entry and exit terminals, barrier sys- tems and POS terminals will be installed. Ac- cording to the company, it will be a hybrid system. Initially, it will still run on tickets, but Scheidt & Bachmann says it is fully prepared for a future with ticketless parking as soon as this becomes necessary. Smart Solutions In addition, intelligent solutions such as Smart Web Pay, Mobility CONNECT and Smart Validation will be implemented. There will also be a reservation website where visi- tors can book their space in advance. City harbour in the ancient centre of Goes in Zeeland in the Netherlands. The rest of the car park will also be modern- ised: the lighting and CCTV cameras will be completely renewed. With this step, the municipality of Goes is committed to intelligent, safe and future- proof parking. ■ k c o t s r e t t u h S © 46 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025
INTERNATIONAL SOLUTIONS Portier Vision Innovative Parking Camera Project at VU Amsterdam and Amsterdam UMC The parking facilities of VU Amsterdam and Amsterdam University Medical Center (UMC) are now equipped with a camera-based parking guidance system, the Portier Vision. This cutting-edge technology aims to enhance safety, improve traffic flow, and stream- line parking management for employees, patients and visitors. There are three separate parking facilities totalling approximately 1500 parking spaces that are now covered by Portier parking guidance products. T he Portier Vision guidance system features vehicle and license plate rec- ognition, enabling real-time monitor- ing and analysis of individual parking space occupancy within the boundaries of the Eu- ropean privacy rules. License plate recogni- tion also helps drivers quickly locate their vehicle when returning by using a search ki- osk in the hospital receptions. In addition to those functionalities, system can be inter- faced for example with parking access and revenue control system for more in-depth analytics and functionalities. Several Portier parking guidance systems are part of the facility, directing motorists directly to available parking spaces and, if required, to disabled or EV charging stations. This feature is an essential part of the overall service especially in larger parking facilities and reinforces an easy and comfortable parking experience. Important Investment Parkeerbedrijf VU-VUmc sees parking guid- ance as an important investment into its premises. With this new system the parking operator of the Amsterdam University Medi- cal Center aims to ease the experience for visitors, some of whom may be feeling anx- ious or preoccupied as they come for a medi- cal appointment or to support a loved one. Secondly, prior to investing in the guidance system, Parkeerbedrijf VU-VUmc performed an in-depth analysis of driver behaviour and learned that there is a massive amount of unnecessary driving due to the search for available spaces – something which might create unnecessary stress, increases the risks, and also burdens the environment. This project underscores the commit- ment to adopting smart technologies that Parking made easy at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. foster sustainability and enhance the overall campus experience. It is expected that the new system will significantly reduce wait times and improve the convenience of park- ing for all users. The Finnish company Portier sees itself as a leading provider of various parking guid- ance systems for smart city solutions and specialises in AI-supported technologies de- signed to improve life in the city. Key benefits of the Portier Vision indoor parking camera system include real-time monitoring by cameras equipped with mo- tion detection and license plate recognition, parking guidance displays for drivers, data analytics on parking patterns, and a user- friendly interface making the information collected be available through a cloud-based parking guidance platform. ■ Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 47 n e z l e V n a v o o T : r e h p a r g o t o h P / r e i t r o P ) 2 ( ©
INTERNATIONAL SOLUTIONS At the Q-Park car park in Limerick, Ireland, Aragon Fit luminaires ensure clearly illuminated areas and safe orientation. International Modernisation Project TRILUX Refurbishes 188 Q-Park Car Parks in Seven Countries Q-Park is a Europe-wide company that manages, develops and modernises parking facilities, with more than 3,600 car parks. In order to implement a uniform lighting concept at 188 locations in seven countries, Q-Park and Trilux entered into a strategic partnership in 2023. As a full-service partner, Trilux is responsible for all lighting-related tasks, from consulting, planning, installation and acceptance to maintenance. Since November 2023, Trilux has been gradually converting Q-Park car parks throughout Europe to energy-efficient lighting. T he aim of the Q-Park renovation cam- paign is to upgrade the outdated lighting infrastructure in some car parks to a new and sustainable level in terms of energy efficiency, sustainability, safety and ambience. The lighting concept devel- oped by Trilux for this purpose is based on the Oleveon Fit and Aragon Fit damp-proof luminaires and a lighting management sys- tem from the Trilux LiveLink family specifi- cally selected for car parks. “As the various properties differed greatly in terms of tech- nology, construction and size, each car park was considered individually,” says Sven Busch, International Key Account Manager at Trilux, explaining the complexity of the pro- ject. In addition to car parks with conven- tional outdated lighting, the programme in- cluded properties with first-generation LED technology and completely new designs for extension buildings. Tight time frame “We not only impressed with our product and service portfolio – our ability to implement the project quickly and reliably on an internation- al scale was also decisive,” says Sven Busch. The properties are usually renovated during ongoing operations. However, only nine months per year are available for the actual conversion. This is because, from November onwards, uninterrupted car park operation is an important factor for successful Christmas and New Year business. “Due to the high de- gree of individuality of the various car parks and the ambitious schedule, close coordina- tion with the car park managers and a smooth, perfectly coordinated process chain were nec- essary,” says Busch. The progress of the pro- ject shows that everything is working. Since the project started in November 2023, Trilux has already converted twelve properties. To ensure the desired high light quality in Q-Park car parks, Trilux developed a new optic for the Aragon Fit damp-proof luminaire as part of the project. The particularly wide-beam optic enables very good illumination of the space despite the low mounting height typical for car parks. Due to the high demand for such solutions, Trilux has now added the optic to its standard portfolio. In addition, most car parks benefit from slight ceiling brightening, which visually enlarges the rooms and avoids a ‘cave effect’. At many locations, the Aragon Fit is therefore used with a translucent housing, through which a small portion of the light is emitted into the upper half of the room. 48 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025
INTERNATIONAL SOLUTIONS Glare-free light is particularly useful in entry and exit areas to make the transition between light and dark as pleasant and safe as possible. No dark areas, greater safety: the 1:1 refurbishment with Aragon Fit in the Cornmarket car park in Limerick has improved the lighting quality and user experience. Individual lighting management planning As part of its individual project planning, Q- Park asks itself the following question for each location for reasons of sustainability and cost: Is light management worthwhile? And if so, which system from the LiveLink family is best suited to the respective car park? The decision always takes into ac- count the ownership structure, the length of the lease, an ROI calculation, and the popu- larity and utilisation of the car parks. In the vast majority of cases, LiveLink SwarmSens is used. According to Triflex, the system is particularly renovation-friendly due to its wireless radio networking and integrat- ed sensors for presence and daylight detec- tion. In addition, it provides smart functions such as advance lighting quickly and easily without programming or a server connection. This minimises energy consumption without compromising the feeling of safety. User experience and maintenance contract A positive user experience and a high sense of security in the car park are particularly important to Q-Park. Optimised lighting and light quality reduce the risk of accidents. Pe- destrians and vehicles can move around more safely together in the car parks. In ad- dition, the high-quality lighting reduces the risk of burglary and vandalism thanks to ho- mogeneous illumination without dark cor- ners. To ensure the long-term functionality of the lighting, a five-year maintenance con- tract was included in the full-service offer. It includes an annual inspection, during which the functionality of the lighting is checked visually and by means of photometric meas- urements, as well as digital service tasks such as software updates. These tasks are carried out with partner companies from the international Trilux partner network. Positive feedback As various car parks were converted as part of the project, it is difficult to quantify the exact savings achieved by the new LED tech- nology. Among other things, they depend on the technological status of the previous ver- sion and usage behaviour in the car park. In the case of heavy use, the savings achieved x u l i r T © Cold, humidity, exhaust fumes: according to Trilux, the Aragon Fit is designed for the harsh operating conditions in car parks. through dimming are reduced, as the light- ing is mainly operated at full light intensity. According to lighting design calculations and a comparative analysis, the new lighting saves up to 70 per cent in energy compared to the previous version. This also benefits the environment, according to Trilux. Q-Park is more than satisfied with the re- sult. “We have received a lot of positive feed- back, especially for the way we worked to- gether – the joint planning, the selection and development of solutions, and our availabil- ity and customer focus,” says Sven Busch ■ happily. d e t i m i L d n a l e r I k r a P - Q ) 5 ( © Maintaining an overview on curves and ramps, for cars and pedestrians: light quality is an important safety factor in car parks. With LiveLink SwarmSens, TRILUX car park solutions can be networked via radio, and applications such as leading edge lighting are already installed as turnkey solutions. Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 49
PRO SPECTS m a d r e t s m A I A R / c i f f a r t r e t n I © One highlight of Intertraffic 2024 was the ‘EPA Parking Day’. Intertraffic Amsterdam 2026 Shaping the Future of Parking and Mobility From 10 to 13 March 2026, the global mobility and traffic technology community will once again gather at RAI Amsterdam for Intertraffic Amsterdam 2026, the world’s leading business and government event on smart, safe, and sustainable mobility. I ntertraffic brings together over 900 ex- hibitors and 30,000+ visitors from more than 145 countries. With seven stages and 300+ knowledge sessions, the event is set to inspire, connect, and accelerate pro- gress across the mobility ecosystem. Revolutionising Parking For the parking sector, Intertraffic Amster- dam 2026 promises a strong emphasis on innovation, integration and user-centric so- lutions. Under the theme “Revolutionising Parking: Smarter Systems, Frictionless Expe- rience,” Intertraffic will highlight how tech- nology is reshaping parking management, access control, enforcement, as well as mo- bility and payment services. Exhibitors and thought leaders will demonstrate how auto- mation, data intelligence, and interoperabil- ity are transforming parking into an essential component of connected mobility. The Summit Programme will take a broader view, examining the strategic role of parking within the evolving urban landscape. Ses- sions will delve into topics such as curbside management, the integration of EV charging infrastructure, the shift from on-street to off- street parking and parking’s contribution to sustainable city design. Other key themes include AI and parking, mobility hubs and dynamic pricing. Live demonstrations and product showcases will allow attendees to experience first-hand the latest technologies driving operational efficiency and enhancing the user journey. Pivotal Role of Parking “Parking plays a pivotal role in how cities manage accessibility and mobility,” said Joyce de Winter, Director of Intertraffic at RAI Amsterdam. “By bringing together technology providers, city authorities and operators, Intertraffic fosters collabora- tion and practical innovation. We are pleased to continue our cooperation with EPA, which is curating several important topics in the knowledge programme, offer- ing sector professionals focused insights and guidance.” Visitors can expect to meet professionals from across the entire mobility chain, from parking operators and system suppliers to policymakers and city planners. Whether the goal is to benchmark best practices, discover emerging technologies or expand profes- sional networks, Intertraffic Amsterdam of- fers a valuable platform for meaningful ex- change and future-focused learning. ■ Visitor registration for Intertraffic Amster- dam 2026 is now open! Further informa- tion and programme updates can be found at www.intertraffic.com/amsterdam 50 Parking trend international | no. 4-2025
Calendar: International Parking Events 2026 10–13 March, 2026 Intertraffic Amsterdam RAI Amsterdam, The Netherlands 12–14 May 2026 Czech Parking Association Conference Kouty/Czech republic Location: Konferenční hotel Luna 9–11 June 2026 European Mobility Expo Expo Porte de Versailles Paris, France www.intertraffic.com/amsterdam www.parkovaciasociace.cz www.eumo-expo.com 24 March, 2026 Traffic Signs Conference Birmingham / UK Unique Venue of Birmingham 20–21 May 2026 Parkex 2026 CBS Arena, Coventry United Kingdom 22–25 June 2026 Power2Drive Europe Messe München Munich, Germany www.theihe.org/events/ihe-traffic- www.parkex.net www.powertodrive.de signs-2026-conference-and-exhibition/ 28–29 May, 2026 AIPARK PDays Florence, Italy 2027 16–17 June 2027 Messe PARKEN RheinMain CongressCenter Wiesbaden Germany www.pdays.eu/pdays www.parken-messe.de 27–29 April 2026 17th ITS European Congress Europe’s premier event for leaders in smart mobility and intelligent transport systems. Theme: Bridg- ing Innovation – Integrated, Safe and Seamless Mobility Istanbul Congress Center, Turkey https://2026.itseuropeancongress. com/its-istanbul PRO SPECTS Imprint Parking trend international is published by Maenken Kommunikation GmbH, Cologne/Germany, in cooperation with European Parking Association aisbl Rue d’Arlon 25, 1050 Brussels www.europeanparking.eu Publishing House (responsible for editorial, adver- tising, production and circulation) Maenken Kommunikation GmbH Von-der-Wettern-Straße 25 51149 Cologne/Germany www.maenken.com Phone +49(0) 22 03/35 84-0 Fax +49(0) 22 03/35 84-185 Frequency: 4 x per year Circulation: 4,100 copies Unit price: see cover, plus forwarding expenses Publisher Dr. Wieland Mänken Editorial Team Marko Ruh (Chief Editor) pti@maenken.com Tom Antonissen (EPA Executive Director) Pauline Caublot (Research & Projects Manager) Vasiliki Orfanaki (Operations Manager) Joanne Sutcliffe (Communications Manager) epa@europeanparking.eu Advertising Team Wolfgang Locker (Publication Manager) Phone +49(0) 22 03/35 84-182 wolfgang.locker@maenken.com Print Shop Silber Druck oHG, Lohfelden (Germany) Parking trend international | no. 4-2025 51
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