The future of parking: How digital solutions eliminate the frustration at the parking ticket machine

The future of parking: How digital solutions eliminate the frustration at the parking ticket machine

Missing digital solutions in German parking space management are a persistent problem that reinforces the frustration of drivers: inside. According to a recent study by Riverty, missing payment alternatives and technical problems are the main causes of dissatisfaction with parking ticket machines. Many German drivers: inside you still rely on cash because you do not have alternative payment methods available. During the summer vacation, however, there is the opportunity to experience free-flow parking in Scandinavia, a modern digital solution that makes parking easier and more convenient.

Riverty's study shows that the use of cash when parking in Germany is not a new phenomenon. However, 59 percent of those surveyed who prefer to pay with cash are probably used out of habit. More than half of the respondents indicate that they have difficulties with change, and 43 percent want the opportunity to pay by card. German drivers can experience surprises during the summer vacation in the north. According to the 2024 tourism analysis of the Foundation for Future Questions, Scandinavia is the third most popular travel destination for Germans in Europe. There you can get to know the modern and digital parking concept called free flow parking. A total of 65 percent of German drivers: inside who are familiar with this modern parking system, the digital payment options find better.

in Germany, however, the digitization of the parking lot area lags behind. While 40 percent of the payments are digitally carried out throughout Sweden, it is only 5 percent in Germany. Critics argue that data protection is a problem, especially with regard to ANPR technology (Automatic Number Plate Recognition), which is essential for the smooth identification of the vehicle owner and the billing of the parking ticket. However, the Riverty study refutes these concerns. A majority of respondents (51 percent in total in the markets surveyed), even those who do not yet use free-flow parking, has no data protection concerns.

"Our study shows that the majority of German drivers: Inside, there are still a few ways to use free-flow parking," explains Michael Rogge, Director Sales from Riverty. "While only 35 percent of drivers in Germany have access to Free Flow Parking inside, it is already 57 percent in Sweden and 73 percent in Norway. This trend will also pick up speed in Germany."

The introduction of free flow parking and digital payment methods has simplified the parking process in the Nordic countries and increased efficiency. When entering a parking garage or a parking lot, the license plate is automatically recorded by the ANPR technology. When leaving the parking lot, you can pay either via the smartphone or via an app. There is also the possibility to make the payment after entering the license plate at the machine or up to 48 hours after the parking process is completed via the website or app of the parking lot operator.

The future of parking could also be so simple in Germany - a monthly bill for all parking fees and no worries about small change. There is still a lot of potential for development and improvements in German parking space management. The full study by Riverty can be downloaded here.

Riverty, the innovative fintech company from Bertelsmann, supports thousands of dealers: inside and over 26 million consumers: inside with the handling of more than 80 million transactions per month. The company offers flexible payment options, receivables management and intelligent accounting solutions to support companies and consumers: inside with innovative financial services. With over 4,000 employees: Inside in ten countries in Europe and North America, Riverty is a leading provider of comprehensive financial solutions.