Real-Time Parking Management System

A Parking Management System is an IoT-based solution that provides real-time visibility and control over parking spaces across on-street, indoor, off-street, and marina environments. The system uses IoT Pro parking sensors to detect occupancy, identify authorised vehicles, detect violations, and transmit data securely to a cloud-based software platform.

Operators can monitor parking activity live, automate enforcement, analyse usage trends, and generate reports from a single dashboard, reducing manual operations and improving parking efficiency.

The solution supports a wide range of parking environments, including:

• On-street parking (paid, timed, residential, disabled, EV, restricted zones)

• Indoor and off-street car parks (commercial, public, multi-storey, campuses, hospitals)

• Marina and boat parking (berths, pontoons, yacht harbours, waterfront developments)

All parking types are managed through the same unified platform.

The system is designed for both public and private organisations that own, operate, or manage parking assets, including:

• Government entities

• Local and regional councils

• Municipal parking authorities

• Parking concession operators

• Property developers and facility managers

• Shopping malls, hospitals, universities, and transport hubs

• Marina operators, yacht clubs, and waterfront developments

On-street parking occupancy is detected using an in-ground parking sensor bolted directly into the road surface. The sensor contains a radar module that accurately detects the presence of a vehicle parked above it.

The sensor can also detect digital vehicle tags, allowing the system to identify authorised vehicles such as residents or permit holders. All data is transmitted wirelessly to the cloud platform in real time.

Yes. The system continuously compares actual vehicle occupancy with paid parking data for each parking bay or zone. If a vehicle is parked without payment, the system automatically flags it as a violation.

Overstays are detected automatically because the sensor reports every occupancy and vacancy event, allowing the software to calculate exact parking durations.

Instead of relying on routine patrols, enforcement teams receive real-time, data-driven violation alerts. Officers are directed only to bays where violations are confirmed, reducing wasted patrol time.

This approach:

• Lowers operational and staffing costs

• Improves enforcement consistency

• Increases compliance and revenue recovery

Residents and priority users are issued digital vehicle tags, typically placed on the windscreen or dashboard. When a vehicle parks above a sensor, the system detects both the vehicle and the associated digital tag.

The platform verifies whether the tag is valid for that specific bay or zone and automatically identifies unauthorised use without manual checks.

Yes.

• Disabled and priority bays are managed using digital tags assigned to authorised users, replacing paper permits.

• EV charging bays are managed by combining parking occupancy data with charging status information.

This ensures bays are used only by authorised vehicles and for their intended purpose.

EV charging bays are continuously monitored by parking sensors. The system detects when a bay is occupied and checks whether the charger is actively supplying power.

If a bay is occupied without charging activity, or if a vehicle overstays after charging is complete, the system automatically notifies the operator or authority. EV charger data can be integrated directly or via API from third-party charging platforms or can be provided by IoT Solutions through the IoT Pro Digital Analogue or Energy monitoring product.

In indoor and off-street car parks, externally powered overhead sensors are installed above each parking space. These sensors detect vehicle presence and typically include green/red indicators to show availability.

The system provides real-time visibility across floors and zones, helping operators balance utilisation and improve wayfinding.

The system is also integrated to control indoor signage.

Yes. Digital tags can be grouped and assigned different access rights and rules within the software platform. This allows operators to manage:

• Staff parking

• Tenant or resident parking

• Visitor and short-stay parking

Each group can have its own permissions, time limits, and enforcement rules.

For marinas and pontoons, sensors are installed on a wall or pontoon, positioned perpendicular to the berth. The sensor detects when a boat arrives and when it departs, reporting these events automatically to the platform.

This provides real-time berth occupancy without manual logging.

Yes. The system automatically records:

• Berth occupancy

• Arrival and departure times

• Dwell time per boat

This data supports accurate billing, enforcement of reserved or time-limited berths, and improved berth allocation.

Yes. The solution is fully retrofit and does not require civil works.

• In-ground sensors are installed using plastic anchor screws into tarmac or concrete

• Overhead sensors are installed using wall or ceiling anchors

Multiple mounting options are available and documented in the public wiki: https://wiki.iotsolutions.com.mt/doc/iot-pro-installation-options-ZcNddoq1Fr

Yes. All parking data is stored securely and can be accessed through historical charts and reports.

The platform supports:

• On-demand reports

• Automated KPI reports

• Violation, usage, and trend analysis

This data is used for enforcement audits, operational planning, and long-term policy decisions.