10

NSL, the UK market leader in on street parking management, has developed an E permits solution for controlling residents’ permits, visitor permits or other controlled parking operations.

The solution works on street using ANPR cameras and hand held computers linked to databases such as those for residents permits. “The new system grew out of our development of ANPR technology over the last 5 years for measuring compliance with the DVLA and was recently introduced successfully in Westminster,” explained Chief Executive Mark Underwood.

“Once you have automated systems for checking permits, the next logical step is to have automated systems for issuing ‘virtual’ or e-permits; and then enforcing and checking levels of compliance, this new initiative will enable residents to purchase them online, or even via smart phones and there is no need to go to the expense of printing and posting a permit; since our systems can now link the vertical data base to our APNR and hand held technology allowing us to immediately tell whether a vehicle is authorised just by reading the number plate.”

Mark said that the new e-permits solution can mean significant savings for local authorities who are managing residents parking zones, and other controlled parking areas, and it also has significant benefits for customers, such as those wishing to purchase residents’ parking, or visitors’ parking permits.

“From the resident’s point of view, the whole thing is very easy. They purchase online, and they’re instantly permitted. No need to worry about the permit getting posted, or having to queue up to buy one. No need even to worry that it falls off the windscreen when you’re parked. If you’re on the database, you’re covered; simple as that.”

NSL is ‘technology neutral’ – working with all technology suppliers to develop the best systems for its clients. So it has made arrangements with a number of suppliers to develop the front-end purchasing system via web interfaces, smart phones or call centres.

“We are at the stage where we can be up and running in six weeks for a new client – so their residents will be able to seamlessly purchase permits which will provide instant authorisation. And our ANPR vans and CEOs with database enabled handhelds will be able to check instantly if a vehicle is authorised.

“The customer will see a seamless system for purchasing electronic permits – but we have developed a ground breaking system behind the scenes to make sure it all works.”