5 Tips To Ensure Your Commute In A Metropolitan City Is Easy

Traffic; a small price to pay for modern developments and globalization. With multiple constructions happening simultaneously, an entire city of hustlers stepping out to earn their bread at the same time, and the occasional road-rage incidents, contribute to the unbearable, time-killing traffic we all face, endure, and spend most of our time in. Well, some might call it a part of life but for the few who want to live their lives away from this, we have something for you. A specially curated list that will make your commute easier.

1.Keep your documents handy

This isn’t just to save a few hundred as fine. It is imperative that all your documents are up to date. From your driver’s license to your car’s registration papers, insurance, and PUC, all need to be valid. This helps you in case of an inconvenience or emergency. Thanks to the digital ecosystem, you don’t need to carry physical copies of these documents. Simply create a digi-locker and upload all your documents on it. Convenient, isn’t it?

2. Plan and time your travel

Most times, we cannot plan our travel but the rare occurrence where you can; please do! You won’t believe how beautiful the drive is, how much time you save, and short the distance actually is. Technology is only as helpful as we make it to be, so use your google maps and find out the peak traffic hours. Structure your commute accordingly and be amazed at how beautiful your city is when it isn’t submerged under the honks and the crowd.

3. Reserve your parking spot

We don’t even have to stress enough this point’s importance. Taking a cue from the previous point, we know it’s hard to always plan your travel. What you can do to make your commute easier is reserve a parking spot. When you reach your destination, don’t spend time chasing spots or squeezing your car in tight areas. Apps like parkit.biz allow you to reserve a parking spot in advance, so when you arrive, all you have to do is park your car. These parking spots are safe, secure, and the payment is super convenient.

4. Fuel up!

Before you start booing us, let us be clear – we’re feeling the same as you are. However, it is wise to fuel your car beforehand to ensure you don’t waste time making a fuel stop because we all know how time-consuming that is. If you know about your commute the next day, gauge the distance and fill what’s needed, unless you are a millionaire and can afford to fill the tank to the brim. Well then, you have our respect.

5. Update your playlist

We believe music makes every journey better. Be it your 8 am commute to work or that evening drive with your loved one, every journey becomes memorable with the right playlist. So take it from us, always update your playlist, tune your favourite radio channels, and breeze through traffic while you groove to tunes that take you to your happy place.

So, these were our 5 tips to ensure an easy trip through the city. Have we missed any crucial points? We’d love to hear from you. Let us know in the comments below.

Why Smart Parking Solutions Over Conventional Parking

In today’s modern world, where everything has happily taken ‘smart’ as a suffix, be it phones or home appliances why should parking steer away from doing so? Yes, you heard right! Smart parking solutions are not a thing of the future anymore, it is among us and if you aren’t using it, you are missing out. You must be wondering what exactly qualifies as smart parking solutions and if you are curious to know, continue reading this article. We have curated a list of features that elevates the conventional parking space to smart parking solutions.

Book Parking Online

The need for an online parking portal

In today’s day and age, where an app exists to remind you to drink water, why cannot we accept that helps you park better and beforehand? The increase in private vehicles has led to constant competition for parking spots. Regardless of your destination, parking will always be your numero uno concern when choosing to commute with your private vehicle. This concern will soon be a thing of the past as we leverage the power of technology and make book parking online. There are apps available that help you do so, but are they worth it? We have highlighted 5 benefits of these apps.

1.Unmatched Convenience:

Why spend hours driving around your destination, trying to squeeze your car in when you can easily reserve a spot from the comfort of your home? Sounds like a dream? Pinch yourself, and continue reading. Online parking reservation allows its users to locate the nearest parking space and reserves a spot for them. This means you leave your home without any concerns or worries.

2.Surety and safety:

Don’t you dread when you have to park your car in tight spaces and shady places? “What if it’s scratched”, “is it safe?”, and many such questions cloud your mind as soon as you step out of your vehicle. And rightly so, our vehicles are precious to us so why should we compromise on their safety? This is where online car parking reservations can be a boon. These apps ensure that the safety and security of the parked car are never compromised. The spacious car parks will never force you to park in a tight space or n compromised locations. You can find out more about these spaces and how they offer top-notch security on parkit.biz

3.Hassle-free commute:

You wouldn’t be the first one to use or hear the excuse, “I reached on time, finding a parking spot is what took me so long.” It’s time to put an end to this excuse and this problem. Next time you leave your home, leave with nothing but peace of mind. Enjoy your ride because your parking spot awaits you. It’s yours and yours only. No need to work those neck muscles trying to find a spot or doubling your co-passenger as a guide to ensure your car squeezes in that tight spot. Search your location, find the nearest parking spot, book it, and chill. That’s how easy it is.

4.Accountability:

Every product is good, what makes it great is the service that it offers. Parking reservation offers peace of mind, convenience, reserved parking space, and ensures that it’s accountable for your vehicle. Don’t let the fear of finding a parking spot hold you back from traveling in your private vehicle. From the safety of your vehicle to the safety of customers owing to the contactless parking solutions, these apps ensure that nothing is compromised.

5.Consistent Comfort:

The online parking solutions systems have been structured to ensure your life is easy, not just for a day or two but till you want it to. With payment plans stretching from daily to monthly, yearly and everything in between, you can choose your favourite spots around the city and reserve it! If that’s not appealing, we don’t know what is.

Embrace the future and leave your hassles in the past. With online parking reservations, you will change the way you commute in the city.

Where is Parking Prohibited in India?

Parking Rules & Regulations in India

None of the Indian metropolises is resistant to the monster of parking woes. In the quote - 'A city can be friendly to people, or it can be friendly to cars, but it can't be both, there is a grain of truth in there for India.

The speedy urbanization and infrastructural development stemming from economic growth and population outbreak have initiated many other problems. Parking is one of the most critical problems among those.

With the New Motor Vehicle Act charging enormous penalties, people have an immense burden for not violating the laws. But unfortunately, most people do not learn if they happen to break any law. This goes without saying for people who park their vehicles improperly or illegally.

Hence, one must adequately comprehend the parking rules to avoid paying big fines. And this article helps you with just that.

Parking Rules in India

Most people in India are ignorant of the parking rules or not aware of in India. Below we have compiled a list of all the parking rules you have to obey, as stated in the Motor Vehicles [Amendment] Act.

Places where parking or stopping is prohibited.

No person shall stop, stand, or park a vehicle, except when vital to avoid conflict with other traffic or in adherence with law or the guidance of a police officer or traffic control device, in any of the following places:

 (1) On a sidewalk;

 (2) In front of a public or private driveway;

 (3) Within an intersection;

 (4) Within eight feet (8′) of a fire hydrant;

 (5) On a crosswalk;

 (6) Within twenty feet (20′) of a crosswalk at an intersection;

 (7) Within thirty feet (30′) upon the approach to any flashing beacon, stop sign, or traffic control signal located at the side of a roadway;

 (8) Between a safety zone and the adjacent curb, or within thirty feet (30′) of points on the curb directly opposite the ends of a safety zone, unless the traffic authority tells a different length by signs or markings;

 (9) Within fifty feet (50′) of the nearest rail of a railroad crossing;

 (10) Within twenty feet (20′) of the driveway entrance to any fire station, and on the side of a street opposite the entrance to any fire station within seventy-five feet (75′) of the entrance (when properly sign-posted);

 (11) Alongside or opposite any street excavation or obstruction when stopping, standing, or parking would obstruct traffic;

 (12) On the roadway side of any vehicle stopped or parked at the edge or curb of a street;

 (13) Upon any bridge or other elevated structure upon a highway or within a highway tunnel;

 (14) At any place where authorized signs prohibit stopping;

 (15) At any curb cut or ramp for persons with disabilities;

 (16) On any bicycle lane, trail, or path; or

 (17) Upon any crosshatched access aisle adjacent to disability parking spaces.

The following vehicles are exempt from the prohibitions contained in the subsection:

1. School buses or worker transport buses that are loading or offloading children or workers, provided that the school bus or worker transport bus runs its flashing bus-safety lights;
2. Vehicles that are momentarily stopped, standing, or parked to admit or discharge passengers;
3. Taxicabs that are shortly stopped, standing or parked to admit or discharge passengers;
4. Vehicles that are shortly stopped, standing, or parked for, and while employed in, loading or unloading property;
5. Vehicles that are owned or operated by the state or a city or town when the vehicle must stop, stand, or park to perform upkeep or repair work on an area where stopping, standing, or parking is prohibited.
6. Vehicles that are disabled in such a manner and to such extent that the vehicle operator cannot avoid stopping or temporarily leaving the disabled vehicle in an area where stopping, standing, or parking is prohibited.
7. Vehicles that are shortly stopped to allow oncoming traffic to pass before making a right or left-hand turn or in preparation for or while negotiating an exit from the road.

Removal of abandoned vehicles or illegal vehicles in a public place

Any vehicle is probable to be towed, removed, or disabled if:

1. It's parked in an area where parking is restricted. 
2. A motor vehicle is left unattended in a public place for 10 hours or more than it.
3.  If left unattended, wrecked, totaled, burnt, or partly disassembled, the vehicle is causing an obstacle or poses any danger to regular traffic.

A vehicle can only be permitted to be towed away by a police officer with jurisdiction. The vehicle owner will have to pay any charges incurred for the same, apart from the "no parking fine" or any additional parking challan issued to you.

If you park your vehicle in any way stated above, you'll also have to pay a parking fine or Challan. Parking fines range for every city in India, with the heaviest fines enforced in crowded metropolitan cities like Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR (mainly New Delhi, Gurgaon, and Noida).

A police officer with jurisdiction can decide to either issue a challan or haul your vehicle away.

Enforcement of Stricter Rules

To guarantee that people obey traffic safety and parking rules in India, there is a requirement to enforce stricter rules. However, there is a limitation to which the police can implement the same.

The tricky part is implementing the existing rules by monitoring parking problems. As a point of fact, the scarcity of resources and sufficient technology makes enforcement ineffective in most cities in India. Unraveling these problems entails making several by-laws.

One factor that can assist us in combating parking space problems is prompting people to use public transport. Authorities also ought to evaluate the growing number of vehicles on Indian roads. Tools such as hiking parking fees, congestion taxes, and limiting parking in certain areas can also be regarded as interfering.

Technology to Crack Parking Problems

Due to the scarcity of rules about parking space issues in India, people alone cannot be entirely condemned for their lack of traffic knowledge. In fact, companies that manage parking data can come in handy.

With relevant data sets, people will understand what illegal parking is and what penalties are set when found guilty of it. Moreover, they will know public parking fees and use the space for securer vehicle parking. With the shortage of such technology, the Indian roads might have to meet more congestion and traffic/parking rule violations generating serious life hazards.

To Conclude

Ever since the Motor Vehicles [Amendment] act has come to effect, there has been a constant rise in the number of fines and challans issued by the police. This has directed to many scenarios where the public has been amazed and shocked by the amount they have to pay. Not only that, but some individuals don't even recognize violating any laws until it's too late, which is entirely another set of problems. One of the most significant issues in metropolitan cities is parking. Whether car parking or motorcycle parking, there never appears enough for everyone. Sadly, this generates a lot of people to park their vehicles improperly or even illegally.

What is Smart Car Parking System?

If there's one thing that stresses drivers, it's searching for a parking space in the city. This, however, is changing with the execution of smart solutions.

A company that furnishes technology solutions based on the Internet of Things (IoT), using this technology lessens traffic volume by 8%, gas emissions by 40%, kilometres travelled by car to park by 30% and time spent parking by 43%.

What is a Smart Parking System?

Thanks to digitalization, smart parking systems are beginning to deliver solutions for urban mobility. Thanks to the Internet of Things and sensor technology, this system allows real-time data regarding parking availability, both outside and inside, and traffic and road conditions.

Why do we Require Smart Parking Systems?

According to ParkIT, more than 25% of vehicles moving around cities desire a parking space, specializing in garage space sales. Executing smart technology to boost this task will unravel this problem, improving operational efficiency, facilitating urban traffic flow and delivering drivers a more pleasant and time-saving experience. It also decreases the harmful consequences of congestion since lesser cars move equivalents to fewer greenhouse gas emissions.

How does smart parking work?

Smart parking is an efficient and cost-effective system for surveying the availability of parking spaces in real time. Technologies like sensors and cameras detect free parking spaces and tell the drivers to the most appropriate spot via digital signage such as LED displays. The complexity of driving in a complicated environment is facilitated by leveraging the strength of artificial intelligence, edge computing, and interconnectivity.

Smart Parking Technology and It’s Benefits:

Various devices and methods form the smart parking system, serving as parking space detectors. On the one hand, the deployment of sensors and cameras, which record and process data and images to deliver real-time traffic occupancy data for the area we are heading to.

On the other hand, an IoT cloud-based system permits these devices to be connected and the data to be centralized. The data are then analyzed utilizing big data to estimate the availability of on-street parking spaces or spaces in public and private parking facilities.

Smart Parking Maps

We don't always have to use an app if we want sufficient factual information about how potential we are to find an on-street parking space. Functionalities already available on our devices, such as Google Maps, deliver real-time traffic data and the likelihood of parking in these areas. This service and other maps update the details the closer we get to our chosen destination.

Smart Signage

Smart technologies are also being used in road-sign strategies to improve security and help coordinate pedestrian and vehicle traffic more efficiently. Examples contain traffic lights and pedestrian crossings that alter colour or light up depending on real-time or estimated traffic volumes, such as peak hours.

Smart Detectors for Vehicles

Understanding precisely how many vehicles are found in a parking lot at any given time is the base of smart parking. This car parking monitoring system contains sensor systems including dual channel loop detectors, ultrasonic vehicle presence sensors or LiDAR vehicle sensors. They see whether the parking space is free/occupied, determine if a parking garage is full, and deliver an accurate location of vehicles.

Sensors to Detect Parking Spot Occupancy

In this case, these sensors detect available parking spaces, reducing the task for drivers looking for empty parking spots in closed spaces. Thanks to the incorporation of LED indicators, drivers can see how many parking spaces are available, with red or green light signs showing whether the parking space is presently used or is free for parking.

Real-Time Parking Information

Relevant insights can then be handed to drivers via a mobile application, website or digital signage. LED displays and multi-directional LED signs can be installed on existing lampposts and show live parking information and messaging.

Parking meters can be incorporated into the system, directing parking operators whether time limits are being observed.

To Conclude

Smart parking solutions greatly reduce search traffic, ease city congestion, and reduce vehicle emissions. Finding a parking space effortlessly in an often-confusing commercial car park improves customer experience, thus enhancing revenue. Simultaneously, parking operators and civic authorities can collect smart data on parking and customer habits that can be used to drive future infrastructure developments.

Valet and Stilt Parking - All You Need to Know

Valet parking

While you were comparing the prices of different parking, without any doubt, you must have read the term valet parking. All main airports offer a valet parking service. But how does valet parking work, and what are its merits and demerits?

What is valet parking?

The major contrast between valet parking and traditional parking is that you don't have to park your car yourself when you use valet parking. You drive to the departure terminal and give your car to a driver who will park your car for you. The big benefit of valet parking is saving time; there is no necessity to catch the shuttle bus to the airport.

How does it work?

Step 1. You drive to the departure terminal: In distinction to shuttle parking, you will drive to the departure terminal. There you will meet the driver to whom you hand over your car keys.

Step 2. Give your car keys to the car park staff member: A driver will wait for you at the departure terminal. Together with you, he will inspect your car for any damage, so there will be no wonders or misunderstandings later. The parking staff member will take your car keys and drive your car to the parking while you continue your journey. The driver will drive your car to the car park and park it.

Step 3. Getting your car returned after coming back: You will have to call the parking provider when you reach the airport. As soon as they learn that your plane has landed, a driver will drive your car to the decided location at arrivals or departures and meet you there. You will inspect the car for any damages and will be competent to continue your trip home shortly after.

What are the pros and cons?

Pros-

• Time. You will save time. You will drive to the departures terminal yourself.

• Comfort. No shuttle bus has to take you to the departure terminal; you can simply ride your car comfortably.

Cons-

•  Trust. You won't be able to see where and how your car is being parked; you will have to trust the parking provider and the driver.

• Costs. Valet parking is normally more expensive than shuttle parking.

STILT PARKING

Several housing societies now furnish stilt parking as an alternative to open parking. Stilt parking is most common in metropolitan cities such as Mumbai and Delhi, where open parking is not an option due to confined spaces. A large number of housing societies nowadays offer stilt parking in place of open parking spaces.

Because car parking is one of the multiple problems that cause chaos and disharmony among housing society members, a purchaser must have absolute transparency on the parking facility, whether it is open or stilt parking.

What is Stilt Parking?

In housing societies where space is a limitation, the ground floor space is used to deliver parking space in housing societies where space is restricted. An eight-foot-high floor is made to achieve this, which serves as a partly covered parking space and the foundation for the entire structure. Housing societies with stilt parking are referred to as G+3 or G+4 structures in project brochures and so on.

According to the law, housing societies made on such structures can only use the space for stilt parking and nothing else. Stilt parking cannot be altered into servant quarters or a place to execute business.

Rules of Stilt Parking

Several amendments have been made to existing laws that clearly define the building of apartment buildings in the largest cities, making the provision of stilt parking a compulsory feature to provide many people with homes within cities. For example, in the country's capital of Delhi, stilt parking will be needed beginning in 2011 all-new societies between 100 and 1,000 square meters are eligible.

It's worth citing that the floor-space ratio does not believe in stilt parking. This suggests that if a builder obtains approval to construct a four-story building, the vertical area used for stilt parking will not be included.

The availability of stilt parking is also useful to home buyers. In the case of NCR, for example, buyers are entitled to build one floor above the ground floor if this is an independent home. If the homeowners want to build stilt parking, they can build it up to two floors.

How Are Parking Spaces For Stilts Designated?

Because the number of parking spaces available in a residential building is restricted, members are generally given space on a first-come and first-served basis by the residents' welfare association (RWA).

The RWA creates changes to this allotment regularly to accommodate new members. The National Building Code and the model building bylaws mandate each housing development unit have a parking space. A member is allowed the full parking space from the builder.

Are Buildings With Stilt Parking Safe?

The security of buildings that stand on hollow ground, such as stilt parking, has been doubted. The Central Public Works Administration issued an earthquake manual titled "Handbook on seismic retrofit of buildings." Stilt constructions were noted as one of the major defects in building masonry. The manual alerts that "a ground storey without wall surfaces (for car parking) can cave in."

On the other hand, builders and concerned civic authorities claim that by using effective design. While builders and city administrators claim that earthquake resistance can be accomplished using efficacious design techniques to help counteract the structure's weight.

A Word Of Caution To Potential Buyers

When buying a home in such a society, buyers should ask for building plan approval from the builder. This document will distinctly state the number of parking spaces sanctioned by the authorities.

If the structure has stilt parking, builders must propose an undertaking stating that the buildings are well-designed and stick to safety standards.

Can Real Estate Builders Vend Stilt Parking Spaces?

Parking facilities of all kinds comprise the common facilities of the housing societies. Aside from the real estate act, laws governing apartment construction in several states also establish that car parking is encountered in common areas and is not comprised, usually in the developer's floor area ratio. As a result, the parking spaces in a residential society belong to all stakeholders, and the developer has no share.

Is Stilt Parking Compulsory?

No, parking on stilts is not needed. However, because space is restricted in urban areas, especially in metro areas, many new projects contain a stilt parking structure in their plans. The Delhi government proclaimed its intent to deliver extra floor area ratios to buildings with stilt parking.

As a result, several residential properties in the NCR are opting for four-story buildings constructed on top of an 8 ft tall stilt parking space. The government has made it compulsory for new apartments of 100 to 1000 square meters to have stilt parking.

To Conclude

Common in cities like Delhi and Mumbai with little spaces and no parking options are offering stilt parking facilities to the flat owners. Stilt parking is deemed among facilities in housing societies to eliminate all the confusion and disputes. Residents welfare association (RWA) allows the space on a first come, first basis to the owners. However, these parking spaces aren't mandatory to be constructed; people who want to own a flat or even rent it scrutinise stilt parking facilities to avoid wasting time and energy looking for parking spaces.

The space of 100 to 1000 square meters is normally allocated for stilt parking in a specific building. We hope this article helped you learn all the pertinent valet and stilt parking information.



The New Parking Rules and Penalties by BMC

The New Parking Rules and Penalties by BMC

Now that you've settled in Mumbai and wish to commute by yourself by car, it's time to know the government's illegal parking fines on the citizens. The BMC or Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has recently raised the formula-centric penalty for any unauthorized parking that will be 40 times the charges of the existing parking.

According to the recent rules, the BMC or Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has recently launched new vehicle parking restrictions in the city. The new rule has been launched after noting the illegal parking within no-parking areas and the obstructions to emergency automobiles such as ambulances and fire brigade.

If any automobiles are seen parked in no-parking areas, the owner will have to pay between Rs. 5000 and Rs. 15,000, counting on the scenario. In the initial execution stage, a civic body recognized twenty-three public vehicle parking lots around the city. Vehicles seen parked in a total of five hundred meters of the PPL shall be fined a penalty.

The New Rule

Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) parking fines have increased as the agency aims to compete with Mumbai's chronic parking problem in no-parking zones. Illegal parking has become a nuisance in the city, making India's financial capital the world's most traffic-congested city. And to compete with this challenge, BMC has presented a new parking rule wherein violators will be slapped with hefty fines.

According to this new rule, vehicles parked within a 500-meter radius of public parking lots will attract massive penalties, ranging between ₹5,000 to ₹15,000. This rule has been presented as most people park their vehicles on the road instead of utilizing the parking lots already open in the city. The cars and other automobiles will get towed away. There will also be a late fee if the car owner doesn't deliver their share of the fine.

Under the new rule, you'll now be levied ₹10,000 for heavy motor vehicles, ₹7,700 for medium motor vehicles, ₹7,500 for light motor vehicles, ₹6,900 for autorickshaws and ₹4,300 for three-wheelers for wrong parking. As predicted, this has generated a considerable uproar in the city. The BMC has already gathered ₹1.8 lakh in fines within the first day of introducing this rule, and that number has only increased. These fines will be imposed on any vehicle parked within 500 mts of a public parking lot or a bus stop.

The new rule has already earned the anger of Mumbaikars, who face the worst traffic in the country and continuously look for parking on the city's congested streets. To help battle the problem, the Mumbai Parking Authority, a group created under the BMC's parking policy in the Development Plan 2034, has gathered a list of public parking lots across the city where you can leave your car without any tension.

Penalties for Illegal Parking

BMC's new fines for illegal parking in Mumbai have been met with heavy criticism from residents. A Society has reportedly filed a petition in court, terming the fines levied by BMC as "unconstitutional."

The Mumbai Parking Authority contains a chairperson and IAS officer, Dr. Ramanath Jha, citizen representative and transport specialist Ashok Datar and Project Mumbai Founder, Shishir Joshi. The trio came up with the list after going through surveys that gave details regarding the location, infrastructure and capacity of existing parking lots handled by the Roads and Traffic Department and some others managed by wards. The information has even been uploaded on BMC's website to help reach as many people as possible. Furthermore, boards of no parking zones will be plastered close to public parking lots. The BMC has even created some public parking lots in private buildings.

To Conclude

In a heavily crowded city such as Mumbai, illegally parked vehicles can throw the entire traffic into a rage. And to make issues worse, such vehicles often block emergency vehicles. So, let's say that such strict rules were long overdue. The next time you intend to get your car out of your assigned parking spot, ensure that your destination has plenty of parking spaces. And if you're not sure, remember that even surge pricing on Ola and Uber is cheaper than excessive fines.

But will these hefty fines single-handedly be capable of curbing the hazard of illegal parking in Mumbai? Or does BMC set up more parking lots across the city?

The Future of Smart Parking

Technology has transformed the way we live and perform. It has changed everything around us, from digitalization to AR, VR, AI, Mobile Apps, IoTs, and more. Our primary focus today will be the Internet of Things (IoT). Today, all of us are conscious of the revolutionary changes IoT has presented: smart homes, voice assistants, smart vehicles, and whatnot. Do you know what else it has delivered us to make our cities a better place to live in? Smart Parking System!

The significant rise in vehicles has made parking a time and resource-guzzling task. Most bikers or car owners take numerous rounds before finding an ideal spot to park their vehicles. One must park far away several times and walk to the exact goal. In today's era, where everyone's talking about making cities smart, it won't just come until the parking issue is fixed.

Smart cities require smart parking; people require a place to leave their vehicles without walking long distances to reach their expected location. The future of smart parking is optimistic. It will allow us all to make efficient use of available space while broadly improving parking management efficiency for drivers & agencies that handle this vital city resource.

Fortunately for us, our cities are getting smarter. Everyone from citizens to tech developers, retailers, and government agencies agrees that innovating the tech system is essential to creating the life of urbanites worldwide liveable.

Transportation is one of the important issues we face. More people means more traffic congestion and extra pressure on our limited resources. Anyone living in the city will tell you that discovering adequate parking can be frustrating. It can direct to chaos on roads, with drivers circling the blocks examining for a spot, causing people to reach their destined places late.

This article will cover the innovations in smart parking systems and their diverse uses. But before we dive into that, let's know what smart parking is.

What Is Smart Parking?

This innovative parking solution is a blend of IoT, machine learning, AI, etc., to ascertain & report on the availability of parking spaces to bikers in real-time. Information is collected via numerous sensors implanted in parking lots to create a dynamic parking map that bikers can use with their smartphones. Moreover, traffic law officials also help with smart parking data, allowing them to supervise traffic more carefully and better spot parking violations.

Innovations In Smart Parking

The following are the innovations in smart parking in practice and will be a reality soon.

1. Tracking Sensors

Vehicle tracking systems use OBD sensors or GPS to gather car data to ascertain parking spaces' occupancy. This data is then processed by the connected network server & shared in a readable format with car company managers and drivers. IoT forms the basis of any vehicle tracking platform. Large-scale app development companies are using this application for automotive fleet management.

2. Automatic Parking

An APS or Automated Parking System can move cars up & down in a multi-story parking facility. Since it is automated, cars do not need space for humans to get in or out during the procedure. This decreases the land used for parking and also enhances the available space. APS facilities do not open parking lots and deliver confined access making them safe. The resource use within such a facility is minimal as less light and ventilation are required to maintain an APS parking lot.

3. Parking Counter

A system is qualified for sensing vehicles entering & exiting a parking facility. This method will effectively provide bikers with a real-time count of available parking slots.

Parking lot owners can use automated vehicle counters to predict future vehicle hikes, confirm trends and patterns, and improve the efficiency of parking facilities.

4. Safety Controls

IoT-enabled solutions can strengthen traffic compliance. A design of sensors, data processing algorithms & parking control systems can catch and report breaches with visual evidence. A smart parking system can alert the wrongdoer and issue a parking ticket in seconds.

The Function of IoT in Parking Software Technologies

Smart parking will greatly influence all stakeholders concerned in the process. Drivers can book parking spaces and schedule trips and commutes with the lot occupancy in mind. Reinforcement agencies can detect and assess the gravity of parking rule violations in split seconds.

Parking facility managers can optimize the use of space and resources within their parking lots, efficiently strategize and design future development. Community leaders will expand the comfort of city residents by enforcing IoT parking solutions.

Here are a few extra benefits IoT delivers in the parking sector:

• Sponsored meter time extension. Connected platforms will notify drivers when the parking meter is about to expire. Such tools will help extend the parking time in one click as soon as the driver pays for an extension. Automatic parking meter extension systems will decrease the number of traffic law violation cases and raise the facility's revenue.
• Innovative parking solutions that determine the safety of parking spots. The platform will specify the 'red' zones like bus stops, passenger loading-unloading areas, and parking spots for disabled people and forewarn the driver. This way, the number of parking violations by delinquency will be lowered. Suppose a driver still parked a vehicle in a no-parking zone. In that case, a related platform will immediately inform a reinforcement department about the violator, raising the odds of penalizing the violation successfully.
• Efficient citywide parking space utilization — automated parking planners can manage occupancy data for all parking venues thanks to a network of interconnected sensors. To spread the number of parked cars equally throughout the city, municipal communities can adjust meter rates and permit parking times utilizing the data furnished by IoT platforms in the decision-making procedure.

Economic Advantages of Smart Parking System

The economic advantages of a smart parking system convey a vital opportunity for every municipality:

With a rise in revenues, it is likely to create new benefits for citizenship, improving mobility, urban fabric, and road infrastructure while creating a virtuous circle representing the key to changing it into a smart city.

Moreover, investing in this system can promise effective and safe revenues and should not be overlooked.

Collective Uses of Smart Parking System

 A smart parking system delivers vast benefits that can involve all those who use the system:

 - Parking managers

 - Parking controllers

 - Municipalities

 - Users

The whole community benefits as it can decrease the number of cars in parking space, thus traffic pollution. Research says that at least 30% of urban pollution comes from traffic circulation to locate a free parking spot. Hence, a smart parking system can considerably decrease pollution and make the environment a more suitable place to live in.

The Future Is Smart Parking

Smart Parking solutions play a massive role in the smart city ecosystem, enhancing convenience, congestion, lower costs, urban mobility, and useful information & intelligence delivery.

Digital smart cities transform the consumer's experience and set expectations that shape the demand for parking services. The advancement of all-inclusive data services has led Smart Parking to expand our technology and services to meet smart city solution requirements.

Smart parking applications have an optimistic effect on all investors. Bikers will be provided to reserve parking spaces in advance. Officials will be better able to handle traffic and see parking breaches. Managers and parking facility owners can reasonably use the space and resources within their parking lot. Smart parking will be an ideal move for urbanization. Hire top app developers like ParkIt for mobile app development for your business.

Signs That Your Car Needs Servicing

Just like we take care of our body and maintain it in shape and fit for longer life, our car also requires frequent maintenance to maintain it healthy and in condition for longer life.

Regular car servicing is essential to maintaining the quality and quantity of the life of a car. Every car manufacturer sets the periodic gaps at which the car should be serviced for good care. However, in our hectic lives, where we sometimes dont even find time to maintain our bodies, we overlook the warning signs when our car indicates that it might require servicing. This is particularly correct if the car is functioning fine, and we overlook those servicing plans and delay the servicing until a necessity emerges.

Why is it necessary to service your car?

During a service, a mechanic will evaluate everything from your car engine’s fluid levels to general wear and tear. Consider it a health check for your vehicle that allows it to run as safely and efficiently as possible.

What are the advantages of servicing your car?

Servicing your car comes with some extra advantages:

With the benefit of a relied mechanic, you can spot defects with your car before they become more complex. Nipping problems in the bud could mean you avoid costly repair bills in the long term.

Over time, routine servicing will make your car last longer. By maintaining integral parts operating in perfect condition, your car should be roadworthy long after the warranty finishes.

Regular servicing in the short term could assist you in holding on to the resell value of your car in the long term. Car buyers are usually ready to pay more for a car that has been maintained in good condition, and routine maintenance could make all the distinction.

What occurs if I don’t service my car?

If you don’t service your car, you might discover that there are some surprising drawbacks:

Ultimately, your car will become less safe to drive. During a service, a mechanic will flag any safety problems with your vehicle and may be capable of fixing them too. The checks could assist save you and your passengers from an avoidable accident.

Routine check-ups guarantee that your car runs as efficiently as possible. Without them, you could spend more on petrol and other running costs. For example, if tyres are ignored and run flat, you might have to fill your tank more frequently.

If minor problems are left to grow, they could become damaged beyond economical repair. You might have to sell or scrap your car earlier than you planned. However, even if we ignore the routine scheduled car servicing, the car can hint to us that servicing is warranted through some tale-tell signs. So, what are these? Let us take a look.

1. Signs on the dashboard

Every car has indicators on the dashboard. Futuristic cars brighten the lights on the meter, which means that the engine ought to be checked or that something is malfunctioning and the vehicle must be serviced. Some modern cars have a spanner sign that brightens the car that requires servicing. So if the yellow light that indicates car servicing is needed is shown on the dashboard, do not ignore it. This may be the first signal that the car requires servicing, and skipping it might prove riskier.

Sometimes the lights suggest a failure of the performance of the system they are observing, which could be something easy or more complex. But instead of trying to reason it out on our own or ignoring it, it is best to hand it in the hands of experts who can determine the exact problem and troubleshoot the same well in time. If one is ignorant of what the dashboard indicators or lights indicate, the manual of the car offers all the details about the same. Otherwise, a mechanic is the best person to resolve what is wrong and why the dashboard light is flashing.

2. Brakes

Brakes are an important safety feature of your car. They can become less useful when you fail to take your vehicle for a check-up. You might have to press harder on the brake pedal to apply to stop power, and this is usually down to one of two causes:

• leaking brake fluid
• worn brake pads

A mechanic will be capable of pinpointing the issue during service, and replacing brake pads is usually a simple process. Remember, it's best to call a professional out to your car for repairs rather than risk your brakes failing as you drive to a RAC-approved garage.

3. Stalling or loss of power

If you discover that your car is often stalling or if you require more power to render the same amount of momentum as was likely with lesser power, it means that the car's efficiency has been decreased and requires servicing. This stalling can be experienced more so while navigating through traffic, traveling along stretches of highways, or traversing hilly regions. The issue could be with the spark plug, the fuel injection system, or the catalytic converter. Whatever the problem is, it is sufficiently dealt with by the experts. If forgotten once, the stalling might improve frequency while switching gears, suggesting that bringing the car serviced should be your focus.

4. Strange noises and sounds

Any strange noise or sound emanating from a car should raise a red flag in the driver's mind. The most critical questions to be addressed are when the sounds come, what they sound like, and where they may be coming from. An overheated engine might give a hissing sound from underneath the bonnet. A high-pitched squealing noise while riding on the ignition might exhibit a loose and worn-out cambelt. Squeaking brakes may display issues with the brake pads. Scraping noises might mean the sound of two car parts rubbing against each other due to friction. There could be an issue with either one or both of these parts.

Squealing while turning the steering wheel at a low speed can mean a low power steering fluid level. But all said and done; it is still best to let the specialists deal with the problem rather than attempting to procrastinate the servicing and ignore the sounds and noises. So any strange noise or sound from the car means that the car is in desperate need of service.

Clicks, hisses, ticks, and squeaking could all suggest a problem under the bonnet. If the sound is becoming more severe or the problem appears urgent, you should pull over as soon as it's safe to do so and call a mechanic right away.

For less urgent noises, you should pay attention to:

• when the sounds come (e.g., when turning, when idle)
• what they sound like (e.g., rattling or clicking)
• where they're emerging from (e.g., under the bonnet, under the car)
  

By conveying 'when,' 'what,' and 'where,' you can help your mechanic analyze the situation.

If you hear hissing from beneath the bonnet when your car is inactive, your engine might be overheating, which can be a severe issue. But that's just one instance of what strange noises may suggest for your car.

5. Dripping liquid and unknown puddles

First, you should study if the puddle has formed because of the weather rather than a fault beneath your bonnet. Your car can leak water through condensation in the aircon unit in the summer or your exhaust in the winter. Either way, both methods are harmless and won't require the attention of a mechanic.

If your car leaks coloured liquid, you could have a more severe problem.

Brown liquid could mean that you're leaking power steering fluid, oil, or brake fluid, the most severe. If you guess you're missing vital fluid, you shouldn't attempt to drive your car, not even for service. Try to arrange for a skilled mechanic to visit your car instead.

6. Smokes and fumes originating from the car

Smoke and fumes from the car signal that the car requires servicing. It is essential to check where the smoke or fumes are coming from, the color, and whether they come regularly or only at a specific time. Seeing smoke from your vehicle is not a good sign in any situation. You will have to address this problem as soon as possible. There are several reasons responsible for your vehicle to emit smoke. This is also one of the 4 vital signs your car requires service.

One potential reason could be because of engine overheating, which mainly emits smoke out of your hood. Many modern vehicles have temperature needles or indicators that show engine overheating and warn you that there are problems with your car.

The problem may impact your entire engine if you don't solve these issues instantly. Thus, you might have to replace it, which may incur additional time and money.

The color of the smoke can also support your choosing the problem. For example, black smoke means a gasoline issue, whereas white smoke can be a product of lousy coolant in your car. At the same time, blue-tinted smoke means an oil leak, which is a crucial issue to address.

7. Flashing Warning Lights

Futuristic and modern cars are great for displaying what's wrong with them. They do this by illuminating the light on the dashboard, which indicates "Check Engine."

Nothing says your car requires a service like a dashboard warning light as the word 'SERVICE' or a spanner icon appears on instrument panels in most modern cars before your car is due a 'once over.

The light often occurs alongside text telling you how many miles or days you have left before you should take your car to a garage. Some models will even tell you if a service is overdue.

Although the service reminder light appears for routine check-ups, it can also emerge because of a specific fault. You might see that the light shines simultaneously as another symbol on your dashboard to help you pinpoint the problem.

8. Degraded Ride Comfortability

But, if you're not receiving the level of comfort you paid for, it's time to put some labour into your vehicle. Getting hitches and uneven steering while driving is a common indicator that the car is running slowly. You might see the tyres scraping as well. These signs can signal a problem with your suspension.

Conclusion

Whether you have problems with vibrations or your vehicle smells strange, routine maintenance and car service are required to keep your car healthy and safe for driving. You can fix some of these problems with simple self-based solutions. But you will need expert care and service for others.

Parking - A Complete Guide

There are no half steps during car parking – you have to get it right. Otherwise, there can be legal intricacies, the likelihood of a mishap, and inconvenience. Besides, locating the right parking spot can be a daunting task – mainly in the cities, thanks to their space crunch. This makes car parking even more essential. Read ahead to know how to park a car perfectly.

How to Park A Car? – Car Parking Tips:

Some people are excellent at parking. You will require lots of car parking sessions and patience to get there. Here are some tips to help you out.

1.Slow It Down:

Keep the car’s speedometer in command. Let your car crawl – like a snail. The slower your car, the more you can handle it. You can look around, be alert, and make the correct decisions. This will not be feasible (for amateurs) if your car is driving at high speed.

2. Manage It:

You must be extra careful of the surroundings depending on where you park the vehicle. If you are parking the car in a specified parking lot, you must focus on maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.

If you are parking it in an unobstructed space like a building compound or beside the road, you must watch out for stray dogs, children, older folks, auto-rickshaws, other vehicles, and pedestrians, among others.

3. Mirrors:

Getting used to the car’s rear-view and side-view mirrors can require time. However, continued use will be beneficial. Some people install better mirrors to allow them to park well. Ensure you place the mirrors well to get a clear view while parking.

4. Gadgets:

Modern cars contain cameras (Parking Assist Technology) that help in parking. If your car does not have one, and you feel it will be useful, you can get such cameras installed in your vehicle.

5. Practice:

Like everything else, car parking also needs practice for perfection. That is how professional car drivers ace the parking bit. It just happens organically for them – without much effort.

Parallel Parking - A Step-By-Step Guide:

Parallel Parking is one of the methods to park your car perfectly, and it can be a tough cookie to crack. It is one thing to park in an open parking lot and press your beloved vehicle between two parked cars on one side of the road while other vehicles zoom past you. That’s stress! But don’t worry. It is not impossible.

Car Parallel Parking can also be as easy as parking in an empty area, provided you learn the basics right and have the conviction to pull it off. Here is the stepwise procedure to succeed at Parallel Parking. Imagine parking your car on the right side of the road, with a car in front of the empty spot and one behind it.

 Step 1 – Position:

Place your car parallelly with the car in front of the empty spot. Keep a three to four feet distance from that car.

Step 2 – Mirror:

Check all the mirrors to detour bumping your car. Hit the reverse gear and accelerate after you are convinced that no one is near the vacant spot.

Step 3 – Reverse:

Turn the steering wheel to the right and reverse your car as you reach the vacant spot.

Step 4 – Straighten:

Straighten the steering as you enter the parking area. Keep checking for the mirrors while reversing.

Step 5 – Steer Left:

After your car has entered the vacant spot and is near the rear bumper of the vehicle in front, turn your car’s steering to the left and keep reversing.

Step 6 – Adjust:

You must drive your vehicle forward and backward to get the right placement. Adjust your car accordingly.

Step 7 – Check:

Check for space between your car and the one in front and behind it. Make sure there is an ample amount of space for you and the other cars to drive out of the Parallel Parking.

 Types of Parking:

Throughout your driving experience, you will park your car in various places and positions. You may have parked in a garage, a parking lot, a road, or elsewhere. This implies you must alter where you ought to park your vehicle. Not all parking spots will be similar, and you must show various parking skills to accomplish the goal. Here are a few points about the various types of Parking.

1. Angle Parking:

In this kind of parking, cars are parked at an angle. In most circumstances, the cars face one direction only. Parking in and moving out of an angular parking setting is effortless, supplied everyone obeys the rules. Since it is comfortable to accelerate and zoom ahead from angle parking, you must be alert while accelerating. Give the correct signals and examine for signals from fellow drivers.

2. Perpendicular Parking:

This kind of parking is common in parking lots, where individuals park their cars for longer. Such kind of parking is like angle parking, but the angle here is perpendicular to the curb forward. Cars will be parked at a 90-degree angle. You have to ensure that your car's tyres are pointing straight ahead and that the car is placed at the centre of the assigned parking spot in a perpendicular parking area.

3. Parallel Parking:

Car Parallel Parking is usually found on the roads – cars are parked parallel to the road. This kind of parking needs a specific skill as it usually demands the driver to park between two cars – one ahead and one behind. Entering and exiting Parallel Parking must concentrate on your surroundings and maintain your driving.

4. Prohibited Parking:

You must park your vehicle exclusively in specified areas. Parking your vehicle in spots where Parking is restricted will direct in monetary fines. Parking vehicles in No Parking Zones and areas is an example of Illegal Parking.

5. Lot Parking:

 If you are parking your car in a parking lot, you have to obey the rules and regulations specified by that area. They might have various types of parking in various areas for efficient space usage.

6. Bay Parking:

Bay parking usually involves reversing your car in an allocated area. There will be cars around you or space for cars near you. Therefore, you have to be courteous about them and park accordingly.

7. Between two Vehicles:

Irrespective of the kind of Parking, you ought to be careful and attentive while parking between two vehicles. A dent on the adjacent car's door while opening your door or a scratch directing to paint loss is one of the most common problems faced when a car is parked between two vehicles.

How to Find Good Parking Space?

This is a primary problem in crowded cities – no room to park cars! Even in parking lots or parking areas in the basement of malls, there is excessive crowding on the weekends. Here are some suggestions to assist you in finding a good parking spot.

• Consistently be attentive to No Parking Zones.
• Park in a well-illuminated area.
• Avoid Parking in areas opposite the shopping mall's exit, as trolleys can harm your car.
  
• Wait near one row rather than roaming around in your car for an empty spot in a parking lot.
• Talk to fellow drivers about a vacant spot.
  
• Keep an eye on people who are holding their keys in their hand – they might be headed towards their car, leaving a spot for you.
  
• Be patient and compliant with the parking attendant and ask for help if needed.
• Do not park in dirty places.
• Avoid parking your car near garbage bins and grassy areas.

Problems while Parking Car Closer to the Curb:

The main problem with parking too close to the curb, or any barrier in front, is that you will have no room to move (turn or make an angle) your car. This can also direct to paint scraping or damage to the car's tires if the car accidentally moves forward even a bit while starting the engine.

Getting out of Excessively Tight Parking Spaces:

Here's a situation. You go to a shopping mall and park your car in an empty parking lot. When you are done shopping and having a meal at the food court, you leave the mall and enter the car park to find out that the parking lot is full. In some circumstances, it is abounding with excess cars. You reach your car, covered by cars on three sides, and there's only one way out – reversing. This is just one instance of a tight parking spot.

Tight parking spots can occur on the road, in your residential complex, etc. The way out of it is to be patient and think logically. You must stay calm and concentrate your energy on finding the way out instead of concentrating on the negatives. Have a good look at the scene. Play out scenarios in your head and check out various angles that can function. Enter your vehicle and move slowly – do not speed up to leave in a hurry. You can ask the other person to help from outside the vehicle if you have company. If you are alone, you can request somebody for help concerning the angles.

In any case, if you cannot get out of the tight parking space, do not let your ego go wild and try to burst out. Be realistic. Seek help from the parking attendant or a manager in a supervised setting. If you are on the road, you will have to stay until the other vehicle moves and provides you space to exit.

Ways to Reverse Car in a Parking Spot:

You can reverse your car in and out of a parking spot in two ways. First, do it straight; the other is to do it at an angle. You will have to decide between these two ways counting on the kind of parking available and the position of your car. You can also adjust your rear-view mirror to get the right view while Parking.

To Conclude

The increasing population of India has created numerous problems, one of the difficult ones being car parking which we encounter almost every day. Except for the issue of space for cars moving on the road, greater is the problem of space for a parked vehicle thinking that private vehicles stay parked for most of their time. While residential projects still escape with assigned parking, the real problem lies with commercial spaces often, which is overcome by taking additional open spaces to park.

No More Free Street Parking for Residents in Mumbai

The BMC's much-awaited project of introducing on-street paid parking will include two stretches of arterial roads and three areas on a pilot basis. Once executed, people will either have to park in the public parking lots or at the pay-and-park slots on some arterial and inner roads that contractors will handle. The announcement comes over a week after mid-day reported about the civic body's pilot plan to authorize on-street parking on three selected inside roads in the city.

Speaking to mid-day, additional municipal commissioner Vijay Singhal said that a few final steps must be taken before the on-street parking plan is announced. Five stretches have been refined to be shifted into no-free parking zones for free traffic movement. This is being done for the public's welfare, and the plan is to enable individuals to use public parking lots (PPL) and other paid parking wherever available. The practices have been going on, followed up with the ward officers. Residents, who park their vehicles on the street for free, will be charged as roads belong to the BMC. They must book their slots in advance and pay a monthly or annual fee.

On the roads

The on-street parking will first be implemented on Maharshi Karve (MK) road, including parts of A, C and D administrative wards, and SV Road in K West ward. Civic officials said that barring a few paid parking slots, the 3.5 km-long stretches from Churchgate station to the Opera House junction will basically be a no-parking zone. Some paid parking slots will be available on internal roads, and further provision has been made. There will be parking slots based on equivalent car space available on 15 internal roads and a few places on MK Road.

However, no parking will be permitted on the 5.7 km-long stretches of S V Road in the K West ward, from the Juhu airport to the Oshiwara river.

S V Road, which has always been a no-parking zone, will be strictly implemented now. Paid parking slots will be public on 10 internal roads in the area, and people will have to park there.

However, some aspects of the pilot will remain constant. For once, citizens can book their parking space and pay for it digitally. The MPA has also completed a manual on suitable signage and markings to identify the streets reserved for this pilot project. The BMC will allot stickers to cars in cases of residential parking.

The Other Areas

No parking will be permitted on Veer Savarkar Marg.

There are three additional areas where on-street parking will also be introduced on a pilot basis. In the island city, the parking will be executed in an area measuring 1.53 sq km around a stretch of Gokhale Road, from Portuguese Church to Lady Jamshetjee junction near Shivaji Park.

Officials said that the area has three arterial roads. While paid parking will be available on a section of Gokhale Road and Senapati Bapat Marg, no parking will be permitted on Veer Savarkar Marg. Paid parking slots will be available on 13 internal roads in the area.

In the western suburbs, on-street parking has been designed in an area measuring 1.53 sq km around New Link Road in the K West ward. The stretch of New Link Road starts at the D N Nagar Metro station and ends at Oshiwara River.

A PPL in the area can accommodate 500 vehicles, but only 14 percent of it is being utilized. Further pay and park slots will be available on 15 internal roads and a 900-meter stretch of New Link Road from Oshiwara Road junction till Oshiwara River.

In the eastern suburbs, no parking will be permitted on LBS Road, and people will have to discover paid parking slots on specific stretches of the Goregaon-Mulund Link Road and 13 internal roads in an area measuring 1.3 sq km.

Apart from the paid parking slots that will be made public on internal roads, there is also a public parking lot with 1,200 parking slots and an average occupancy rate of 30 percent.

No parking near junctions

Civic officials said the plan had been shared with traffic police, ward officials and contractors accountable for managing pay and park slots.

The official added that no parking would be permitted near the junctions based on the precise needs of the area. Slots will be available either on one side or both sides of the internal roads.

To Conclude

The Mumbai Parking Authority (MPA), formed under the city’s roads and traffic department, will execute the project, referred to as the ward parking management plan until its contract ends in January 2023. The civic body will implement paid on-street parking in four administrative wards in the city, which will allow citizens to park their vehicles in designated areas under close CCTV surveillance

New Number Plates will be Installed in Old Vehicles

There is excellent news for those who drive motorcycles, cars, or other vehicles. Soon, new number plates will be installed in all old vehicles so that vehicles can be monitored with GPS and state-of-the-art techniques. Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari has provided these details. This will be a step toward the government's plan to stop toll plazas in the country.

Half the cost

Gadkari said that utilising Tamper Proof High-Security Registration Plates (HSRPs) for new vehicles started in 2019 when government agencies could get all the vehicle information. They have also chosen to give the same plate to the old vehicles. At present, you have to pay total charges even at toll plazas located 60 km away from each other. Now, if you utilise the highway for only 30 km, then with the benefit of new technology, you will be taxed only half the price.

Know how to benefit

Gadkari said that the central government is operating to create the country free of toll plazas soon. He said that there would be no stoppage of vehicles and hence, pollution would be decreased, and it would also save time and profit the people. The new technology can deduct money instantly from the drivers' bank accounts. Gadkari said that about 97 per cent of the vehicles in India are already on FASTag, and the Indian road infrastructure is at par with that of the United States before the 2024 Lok Sabha election.

Why is there a requirement to replace toll plazas?

Toll plazas have caused many problems, including traffic snarls and long queues, which the government plans to end. Moreover, because of toll plazas at precise locations, some people have been expending more money than is required for their travel distance.

It is unjustified, unlawful and not reasonable. In the new system, which will be launched, we will notice that the city area will be eliminated and there will be no charge on the people because they are taking only 10 kilometres of the road and are paying (toll) for 75 kilometres which is absolutely wrong.

How will toll plazas be replaced?

Two different systems, one that is GPS-enabled and the other that is VNRS-based, are being examined for this undertaking.

The government is looking for two options: a satellite-based system; there will be a GPS in the car, and the toll will be instantly deducted from the bank account, and the other is a number plate (vehicle registration) based computer system that will use the software. It will note entry and exit points, and a toll will be charged for the actual distance travelled. Soon the best technology will be established, after which there will be no queues or traffic jams at toll plazas.

Hence, the distance covered by a vehicle will be recorded in the case of GPS-based tolling, after which the exact amount will be deducted from the online wallet. In the case of the number plates form of tolling, cameras installed at all the entry and exit points of highways will read the high-security number plates, and thus, the toll will be charged for the exact distance travelled.

At the same time, the FASTag-based toll collection system uses radio frequency identification (RFID) for toll collection despite problems that the technology has not led to queue decreases at toll plazas. The minister said FASTag had raised revenue from the toll for the National Highways Authority of India. It reportedly is presently at Rs. 120 crores per day, and a total of 5.56 crores FASTags have been issued, resulting in a market penetration of 97 per cent.

To Conclude

It will be compulsory for the manufacturer to put this number plate. All the old number plates will be replaced with new number plates, with auto-fitted GPS on the number plate. The software will be affixed to the new number plate, from which toll will be deducted automatically.

This will get rid of long queues, and at the same time, you will have to pay less money for work travel. On the contrary, today, one has to pay more toll on short-distance road usage.

How to Protect the Car From Sun in Open Parking

In the sweltering summer, the heat does impact us. Even if we are out for a few minutes, we get irritated. What would be the state of your car uncovered to the heat from sunlight? The heat can impact your car if you aren't prepared for it. With increasing temperatures, many are facing car problems on the road. Numerous reports of failures and damages are arising as temperatures glide to record highs.

This article will show the tips to guard your car against excessive heat and sunlight.

What is the impact of heat on your car?

Interestingly, heat's impact on a car ranges from car to car. That said, there are a few common effects every vehicle will face.

• The interior and exterior of the car get impacted by the UV rays.
• Car paint dries, and flaking of the paint starts.
• The car winds into premature aging.
• Cracks on the dashboard & harm to the upholstery.

Let's see how you can protect your car from the harsh effects of heat and sunlight.

Why Guard Your Car Against Sun In Open Parking?

The best way to answer this problem is to examine the repercussions of parking your automobile in an open area. The sun's rays can be so severe that you'll require to locate shade or an umbrella to cover your skin. Envision what your car would look like if exposed to these fierce rays for days, weeks, or even months.

Exposure to UV rays from the sun can induce damage to your car, even if they may not be noticeable at first (starting with the paint). The sun's UV radiation can destabilize the waxes that people use to make their automobiles' paint more long-lasting and immune to roadside pollutants. One can see how fast a car will warm up and become problematic for specific components. Integrating the sun's UV rays and your car's intense heat can ruin expensive parts. Some people think that disclosing automobiles to sunshine only impacts the exterior; this is a blatant falsehood, and thus don't believe such sayings. In addition, you don't want your car's paint to appear scuffed.

A slew of ideas gliding around on how to maintain open-air parked cars shaded from the heat, but they all spin around a few key factors. Is there anything else I should learn about these points? They're nothing out of the ordinary, and I'm sure you must have heard of them before.

How To Rescue Car From Sun In Open Parking

These tips will assist you in rescuing your car from the harmful consequences of UV radiation and other harmful factors.

1.Always Look Out For Shades

You can't beat parking your car in a shady area to protect it from the sun. The heat induced by the UV rays is inadequate to damage your car when they are not in direct contact with it. If you're sluggish, you won't be capable of following our advice. Aside from that, some drivers could pull into any open spot and leave their cars without regard to the effect of the sun on their car's interior illumination.

Because you've been driving the automobile for some time, it's already hot; don't expose it to the sun if you can help it. If possible, find a shady spot to leave your car, no of how tough it appears. Parking in the shade may be more cost-effective than exposing your vehicle to the sun for long periods, which could do more harm than the cost of a shade. Several fittings and measures could be taken to protect your car from direct sunlight.

2. Use Sun Protectors for Your Windows

The windows of your car can be rescued from the sun with a sun shield. In a car, you have your own. These things are completely up to you regarding finding, purchasing, and putting on your vehicle. When guarding your automobile's windows, sun shields aren't as comprehensive as they may be. The windshield sun protector is today's most famous form of sun protection. Your vehicle's interior might be saved from heat damage if you use this method to maintain it at a comfortable temperature. In the absence of tarpaulins, this could be a feasible alternative.

3. Buy Seat Covers (Use Conditioners For Leather Upholstery)

Seat covers are great if you have to leave your car parked in the open while you are at work for long periods. Fabric and leather will endure longer when exposed to the sun in this way rather than in direct sunlight. In contrast, if you expose your chairs to direct rays, the fabric will start to fade, preparing the road for eventual wear and tear. Car seat leathers will last longer if you apply conditioner to them on a regular basis.

These are valuable methods for guarding an automobile against the sun while parked in an open area. These tips are still relevant regardless of the vehicle's make, model, or year.

4. Tarpaulins and Car Covers

It would benefit if you believed in buying tarps and auto covers for your vehicle. If you routinely leave your car parked in the open for an extended period, one of these solutions may come in handy. If you don't own a garage in your house or workplace, car coverings can be a fantastic option because your vehicle will be outdoors for so long.

Interestingly, a tarpaulin or car cover is available for every vehicle. Online and offline car shops sell them, and they come in a mixture of colors. No matter how hot it gets outdoors, the painting on your automobile will stay covered under a tarpaulin. In addition, the sun's rays will not damage your car's interior. A standard car cover will provide the same benefits as parking your car in a garage. The exception to this rule is when the automobile is wet; do not put on a car cover. It could lead to molds and other problems you don't want to deal with, so be careful. Before using a cover or tarpaulin, allow the automobile to dry.

5. Waxing Is Still a Useful Idea

Waxing is still a perfect option for rescuing your car's paint from the sun and other environmental factors. UV rays can still harm your automobile even if you've applied wax, so it's important to keep an eye out for any signs of damage even if you've used wax. It does benefit if you don't leave your car in the sun for long periods, such as when you're at the grocery store or the saloon. Waxing your car and placing it between the finish and the sun's UV rays will help save it. You'll require to wax your automobile regularly for this shield to work. You shouldn't park your car in the sun if you've just waxed it. People often have to deal with this problem throughout the hotter months of the year, summer. In the lack of tarpaulins, car covers, or shade, waxing might help protect your vehicle's paint. You'll need to protect the interior (upholstery) to keep them looking their best.

6. Paint Protection Films

When waxing your car, this isn't quite like doing so. It is likely to apply paint protection film to the entire body of an automobile to protect the paint from the sun's ultraviolet rays. Scratches, grimes, dust, and other blemishes can all be covered by films. It's a different approach to keeping your car's paint looking newer by shielding it from the sun.

7. Think About Tinted Windows

Tinting your glasses can stop these rays from penetrating your car's interior, while a wax or paint protection film can protect the exterior. According to a study, tinted windows decrease interior heat gain by as much as 70% while allowing in plenty of light. On the other hand, automobile window tinting is controlled by the law in many states. By following those guidelines, please check out your state's criteria and see if it's feasible to protect your car's inside from the sun.

8. Park your car underneath building shade or overhang

If you don't have a garage, the next best thing you can do is park your automobile in an overhang or under a tree. You can consider parking far away from the building and beneath a large tree if there's no available shade.

Your first step should be to locate as much shade as feasible for your vehicle. These spots are less likely to get direct sunlight, damaging your paint.

9. Don't park in areas with a lot of pavement.

If you can, avoid parking your car on cement or hard surfaces. The heat from the sun will ooze into the vehicle and take its toll. If you have to park in an area like this, it's best to leave the windows down for ventilation.

Grass and dirt are better insulators. However, they can get relatively dirty over time, so you should also believe in sidestepping this kind of surface.

10. Don't leave anything inside your car.

When you're not utilizing your car, make sure you remove all of your items, specifically if they are on the seats. Sunlight can also get into your trunk via the back seat windows and impact any items.

This is why it's usually a great idea to clear everything when leaving it for storage in your backyard or a parking lot. Alcohol or hand sanitizer bottles can blast if they get too hot in your car, and food items can also begin to smell if the sun lights them up for long periods.

11. Call your insurance agent for further information.

If you're concerned about harm to your car generated by the sun, contact your insurance agent for more details on whether or not you can add this coverage to your policy. Some agents recommend against it and say you should use other methods to protect yourself from the sun's harmful radiation.

To Conclude

All of the information in this post has been independently verified. It can be depended upon by anyone interested in learning how to maintain their cars safe from the sun while parked in the open. For the sake of your car's exterior and internal components, we advise you to keep it in a garage or under cover whenever possible.

Car covers and tarpaulins can be more convenient and accessible without a garage or shade. As a result, you should get a car cover. Underestimate the power of the sun's UV rays; they can do severe damage to your vehicle. Prevention, as the saying goes, was always preferable to treatment. Don't forget to take benefit of the remainder of the day and help us spread the joy.

How Smart Parking Helps Save Our Environment

We all understand that climate change is not only a reality; it's an increasing danger to our lives as we understand them. Researchers are unanimous: we must find methods to enhance our practices to extend our precious planet's lifespan. In this post, we'll examine the ecological advantages of smart parking.

In the very straightforward terms, the issue is the following. We keep pumping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, raising the Earth's heating. The hotter it gets, the more changes take place and the harder it gets for living conditions to survive and, ultimately, for anything to live on this planet.

Now, driving is one of the things that produce emissions, no doubt about that. You might then ask why we are discussing sustainability in an industry a part of the car-driving business. What does parking have to do with saving the environment?

The answer is very easy. We cannot control people from driving cars, we wish we could, but that's not a real premise. What we can do, however, is make driving more environmentally friendly by decreasing the environmental effects of parking a car.

So, how does smart parking do that precisely?

It makes you drive less and do it more economically

One of the greatest things rendering excessive driving in city centers is looking for a parking spot. When you don't know where there's a parking space available, you drive around until you find one. According to estimates, moving for a parking space adds between 3.5 and 14 minutes to a journey – and that additional time indicates extra emissions.

In addition to longer driving time, cars searching for parking contribute a lot to city congestion. Congested streets imply that cars accelerate, decelerate and remain on standby, which is a very uneconomical way of driving. It consumes more gas than driving at a steady speed, thus also creating more pollution in the atmosphere.

It has famously been assessed that an average of 30 % of downtown traffic consists of cars searching for available parking. That's a lot of extra minutes and stopping and starting.

A digital parking solution produces a massive impact for the better. Excess cruising can be totally removed by offering in real-time where parking is available. This reduces the driving time and relieves congestion, reducing the environmental burden. The cumulative effects of a smoother parking traffic flow can be important for city air quality and long-term sustainability.

It's digital rather than physical

Think about all the paperwork that comes with parking. The numerous receipts, parking fines and tickets are taken out of machines or mailed to people daily.

Paper production needs cutting tons of trees and utilizing tons of water. Those procedures direct deforestation, which damages the livelihood in natural areas. The impact of paper does not end with production, but getting rid of it either forms methane (if rotten) or carbon dioxide (if composted or burnt). Unfortunately, both old-fashioned coin-operated and digital meters spit out a ticket for every parking.

The exact is true of manufacturing and supporting parking hardware. Raw materials and energy resources are expended on creating parking meters. After setup, they are regularly emptied and sustained; for example, driving to those locations again boosts emissions.

When those methods are made digital, the effect gets less. Receipts and other documents can be made on the screen of a smartphone or even just in a database of enforcement officials. Either way, the pieces of paper are never required to materialize in this world, and neither does any of that burden on the environment that their production would have rendered. The exact goes for payment stations. When data is delivered digitally, they don't require to be built or maintained, and the resources are saved.

Smart parking as a solution to increasing pollution

Smart parking can greatly impede air and noise pollution through sustainable urban mobility, saving time and energy, decreasing traffic issues, and reducing air and noise pollution.

It uses sensors to show a parking lot's availability, stopping drivers' need to waste time searching for space. By directing drivers to open spaces quickly, smart parking can decrease congestion and resultant emissions. Smart parking systems gather real-time data and relay it to drivers through a mobile application. The apps also come with an automatic payment method that permits space reservation, thus decreasing the time spent on the road polluting the environment.

Through parking data, smart parking systems also allow city administrations to access critical data to pave the way for cleaner environments. However, such advantages are unlikely to occur with obsolete infrastructure and disconnected systems that can't communicate with each other. By leveraging IoT, smart parking easily solves this problem. Also, by executing dynamic pricing based on available space, smart parking can greatly decrease congestion and overuse of parking lots, thus affecting air and noise pollution.

It can be integrated into other smart city technologies

In addition to parking turning digital, there are numerous other ways in which cities are being designed to fight our increasing population. To name a few, shared mobility, electric cars, traffic monitoring techniques and automated route selection benefit lower mobility's environmental impact. Integrated with smart parking solutions like parking apps, the driving experience is more sustainable.

Moreover, with smart infrastructure developments, parking solutions can drive traffic out of city centers and towards public transport hotspots to decrease those highly polluting jams. The data gathered by different parties of the smart network gives useful information on how city mobility works and how it can be enhanced.

When various APIs are combined, they become a network of more sustainable solutions, significantly reducing pollution. Having all of them available seamlessly also creates their usage more appealing for people.

Picking digital parking decreases the carbon footprint

Taking sustainability into regard is something that all industries increasingly have to do. There's no shifting the burden to other stakeholders when it arrives to reduce the environmental load.

Ever-developing technology creates it possible for industries to find methods to be more sustainable. That's why it's essential to realize the potential that smart parking solutions have to enhance not only the livability of cities when it arrives at convenience but also the long-term healthiness of our living environment.