Navigating the Future of Parking: Spotlight in British Parking News

The parking industry is at a pivotal moment, with innovations in parking technology, sustainability, and transport mobility reshaping the landscape. In a recent interview with the British Parking Association’s June edition of British Parking Association News , Angelique Mentis, President of Parking Australia, shared her journey and vision for the future. Mentis, who transitioned from a career in corporate finance and property development, is now at the forefront of driving change in the parking sector.

From Frustration to Innovation

Angelique Mentis entered the parking industry to solve a personal frustration. When developing residential apartment buildings, she encountered numerous issues with parking challenges. This led her to establish thatsmyspot, a company focused on providing parking solutions. Today, Mentis is Chair of the board of Parking Australia, a voluntary role she describes as giving back to the sector.

Expanding Community Engagement

During the pandemic years, there was a huge customer pull for parking to leap-frog on the technology front. This was because customers began demanding contactless ticketing and other technology-driven solutions to minimise disease spread. The parking industry stepped up to the plate, responding with creative, software-based innovations, supplementing traditional hardware solutions.

Parking Australia actively engages with a broad range of stakeholders, including airports, shopping centres, residential buildings, hospitals, universities, and local councils. Mentis highlights the importance of this wide engagement, noting that any property with parking needs has a stake in the industry. Over recent years, the association has worked to expand and diversify its membership, making it more representative of the community.

The role of Parking Australia extends beyond knowledge sharing and policy formation. The association focuses on fostering relationships within the parking community and with adjacent associations. By asking members what they need and delivering on those needs, Parking Australia has seen significant growth in its membership base, indicating the effectiveness of their approach.

Addressing Geographical Challenges

Australia’s vastness presents unique challenges for the Australian parking sector. Expanding the membership base allows the association to represent local communities more effectively. For instance, the National Roads and Motorists’ Association (NRMA) recently joined, playing a crucial role in establishing a national electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, particularly in rural areas. This initiative is vital for supporting regional communities and ensuring nationwide visibility and support.

The future of Parking

The parking industry is undergoing a paradigm shift, driven by customer demand for seamless parking and EV charging experiences. Mentis emphasises the importance of integrating solutions to create a cohesive system. This user-driven approach is transforming how parking technology is applied. Mentis acknowledges that there is no one-size-fits-all solution, particularly regarding EV charging strategies. Urban centres and regional areas have different requirements, and strategies must be tailored accordingly. At a recent Parking Australia event, three city councils presented diverse EV charging strategies, highlighting the need for customised approaches.

International Collaboration and Local Initiatives

Countries like the Netherlands and the UK are leading the way with collaborative parking platforms. Another example here in New South Wales, Mentis explains, Parking Australia working with the New South Government to try to negotiate concessions on parking levies for parking operators, if those bays are equipped with EV chargers. This initiative highlights the move towards more sustainable transport systems.

Future of Parking: Smart and Sustainable Transport

Mentis is motivated by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals – particularly 11, 12 and 13. She believes parking is a crucial component of an integrated transport mobility platform, contributing to smarter, more sustainable cities. With urban populations expected to grow significantly, the sector must embrace its role in delivering efficient transport solutions.

International examples, such as the Dutch Nationaal Parkeer Register and the UK’s National Parking Platform, demonstrate the importance of collaborative parking platforms. These initiatives recognize parking as part of a broader transport mobility policy, focusing on smart cities, user experience, and liveability.

Supporting EV charging infrastructure is another key focus. Parking Australia is working with the New South Wales Government to try to negotiating concessions on the New South Wales parking congestion levy for city parking spaces equipped with EV chargers. This forward-thinking collaborative approach is essential for adapting to the rapidly evolving transport technology landscape.

Leadership in Parking Technology

Angelique Mentis leads Parking Australia with a vision for transformation. As the founder and CEO of thatsMYspot and Parking Spotz, she is committed to optimising the turnover of urban infrastructure. Mentis’s leadership is driving the sector towards a more integrated, sustainable, and user-friendly future.

Angelique Mentis’s journey from corporate finance to parking innovation exemplifies her dedication to solving industry challenges and advancing parking technology. Her role as President of Parking Australia reflects her commitment to fostering a collaborative and forward-thinking parking community.

ThatsMySpot.com.au is an all Australian supplier of smart parking hardware and software to optimise parking utilisation for property owners, parking operators and enhance the driver customer experience for parking. For more information on implementing effective parking solutions using our parking bollards please get in touch.