The controversial ‘blue zone’ (paid) parking scheme is now in operation on the streets of Puerto Banus and by the end of February 2011, a new, pioneering system should be in place to help drivers locate the available empty spaces.
The blue zone parking is operated by the company Setex-Aparki and they will be installing 320 smart sensors, most kerbside, which will relay information back to a central computer. There will then be a dozen panels at strategic points throughout the town indicating, by means of arrows, where parking spaces are available.
The system is similar to that used in airports and large parking garages and has been designed by the company Parkhelp, a completely Spanish enterprise.
Other towns and cities will be monitoring the Puerto Banus trial with interest. The system is costing Setex-Aparki around €180,000 to install.