Parkeon introduces DDA-compliant P&D parking terminal

Parkeon, the worlds leading manufacturer of parking space management solutions, has added a new model to its Strada range of Pay & Display (P&D) parking terminals. The latest variant has a redesigned user interface and shortened pedestal that places all the controls between 0.75m and 1.2m above the ground. These refinements make the machine fully-compliant with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) 1995 to ensure that wheelchair-bound users are able to operate the terminal as readily as the able-bodied.

One of the new models was supplied for the trials of P&D parking machines that were recently conducted under Londons Partnerships in Parking (PiP) initiative. While the DDA specifications are advisory rather than mandatory, this latest addition to the Strada range enables operators to optimise access for the disabled to parking facilities by being fully-compliant with the DDA recommendations, explains Arthur Crossley, Parkeons UK Sales Manager Parking On-Street.

The PiP initiative is an Exemplar Programme funded by the London Centre of Excellence. It has been led by the City of Westminster and also involved Transport for London (TfL), the City of London, the London Boroughs of Camden, Islington, and Lambeth, as well as the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. Following completion of the trials, the PiP initiative was opened to other London authorities at the end of November 2006. It is designed to bring together and update parking technologies and practices across council boundaries and to seek savings through grouped procurement.

Parkeon also provided a number of its Strada Rapide P&D terminals for the trials. All of its machines were fitted with the Companys own card reader.

By fitting a card reader that we produce ourselves, instead of one from a third party manufacturer as is common in the parking industry - we are able to provide operators with a true one stop solution. This will make it quicker and easier to manage any repairs or warranty claims, should they be necessary and, importantly, it gives us total control over the power management of these devices, adds Arthur Crossley.

Parkeon was one of just three manufacturers selected to participate in the PiP initiative, a further aim of which is to establish greater harmony between parking equipment, processes and controls across council boundaries to benefit the public.

About Parkeon

Parkeon is a global leading player in the fields of on-street and off-street parking and automated mass-transit ticketing equipment and systems.

Its activities encompass the development, manufacture, installation and maintenance of equipment and systems, as well as related services, including managed services, which leverage a global network of data processing centres.

Parkeon is leader of the on-street parking segment with a 60% global market share. With an installed base of 140,000 machines, the Companys parking terminals are a familiar sight in over 3,000 cities across 40 countries.
Its Pay & Display systems control over 3 million parking spaces around the world.

Based in Europe (Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium, Scandinavia, the United Kingdom and France - where the Company is headquartered), the United States and Latin America (Brazil), Parkeon employs over 850 people worldwide and generated revenues of 130 million in 2005. Its manufacturing facility has production capabilities of 2,000 Pay & Display units monthly and 1,000 ticket vending machines/access control systems annually.

Parkeon was formed in November 2003 after the spin-off of the parking & ticketing division of Schlumberger. The Company has played a significant role in the development of Pay & Display technology, in which it has over 30 years experience.