Digital Parking Solution in Pforzheim via Mobile App

In the city of Pforzheim, Germany, a significant step forward in digitization is underway. Mayor Peter Boch announced that the city is moving towards implementing the "Park and Joy" app, a smart parking system designed to simplify parking and contribute to the city's digital transformation.

The "Park and Joy" app, which utilizes Narrow Band Internet of Things (NB-IoT) technology, will connect park-and-ride spaces and parking garages. This technology, known for its low energy consumption and high range, enables the app to provide real-time occupancy information for parking spaces.

Parking spaces will be equipped with sensors that send occupancy data to the app, allowing drivers to reserve parking spaces in advance and find free parking spaces upon arrival. The system also collects data from various sources, such as anonymized mobile phone cells, weather, and calendar data, to improve the accuracy of predicting free parking spaces.

Anette Bronder, CEO of T-Systems, highlighted that Pforzheim is one of the first cities in Germany and Baden-Württemberg to introduce the "Park and Joy" smart parking system. T-Systems is responsible for integrating park-and-ride spaces and parking garages into the system and will begin preparatory work in the city center of Pforzheim in the second half of the year.

The "Park and Joy" app is an important first step in Pforzheim's digitalization strategy. The city aims to become the number one municipality in Baden-Württemberg in terms of digitization and integrate the smart parking system into the smart city concept. The progress of the "Park and Joy" app project will be regularly reported to the city council of Pforzheim.

It's worth noting that the signed declaration of intent does not exclude other app providers. The city of Pforzheim and associated project partners will manage the smart parking system, with specific operator details yet to be disclosed.

In addition to reserving and finding parking spaces, the "Park and Joy" app will also allow drivers to pay for parking using their mobile phones. The app is expected to contribute to reducing traffic congestion and improving the overall parking experience in Pforzheim.