Companies news RingGo and Android Auto Cashless parking provider RingGo has launched its latest collaboration with Android Auto, demonstrating its drive to continuously improve the user experience. Through Android Auto, motorists can now view the RingGo mobile app on their vehicles dashboard alongside navigation services, music and messaging apps which will make paying for parking an easier experience. Drivers no longer need to waste time looking for parking availability, as the RingGo app enables a quick search at the press of a button. Peter ODriscoll, managing director at RingGo, said: We put customers first. We are focused on ensuring that all our product updates help meet the needs of the modern motorists; our collaboration with Android Auto is the latest step in that journey. Latest developments from organisations across the profession New cloud mapping service from Buchanan A new cloud mapping service is being rolled out across the UK by traffic software provider Buchanan Computing, enabling users to view large swathes of the UKs parking and kerbside restrictions. The new national platform includes an application programming interface that will open the door for applications to stream the data being provided, to create an augmented reality system highlighting which traffic restrictions are in force. The new service is part of Buchanans existing traffic order management application, ParkMap, which has been updated to enable driverless cars to navigate parking and traffic restrictions. This is a crucial step towards smart cities and will allow third parties, such as motor manufacturers, to create intelligent vehicles that can navigate UK roads more easily. When local authorities update and create traffic orders within ParkMap, they are transferred into standard format and published onto Buchanans national cloud service for use by other applications, such as in-car navigation systems. The service supplies data in an open format so that it can be used within other mapping applications and accept data feeds from other systems, thereby providing the UKs first national data set of traffic order kerbside controls. Alex Smith, managing director of Buchanan Computing, said: This new service is a first, and represents a significant step forward for the sector. The technology not only covers all kerbside controls, but also incorporates daily live feeds from each local authority and will provide a real boost for future technology around smart cities. Our company has been at the forefront of technology surrounding traffic regulations for more than 25 years and this latest evolution of our digital rules of the road again breaks new ground in its use of data. Ultra-fast charging hub lands at Gatwick Parking facilities provider Q-Park has SAFE from Highlight Highlight Parking has launched its AI-powered Smoke and Fire Early Warning System, which can detect smoke or fire within a few seconds. This solution works with 24-hour, unattended monitoring connected to a cloud application, with email and SMS warnings sent automatically upon detection. The result is that emergency measures can be taken far more quickly in the event of fire, reducing the chance of serious damage or injury. YourParkingSpace news YourParkingSpace will deploy its intelligent parking solution at The Exchange Ilford shopping centre and 17&Central Walthamstow. Building on its successes with The Mall Maidstone and Kingfisher Shopping Centre Redditch, these new installations have a combined size of 560,000 sq feet and an average weekly footfall of 429,383. vehicle charging hub at Gatwick Airport. Q-Park Gatwick, also known as Purple Parking, is one of Gatwick Airports largest work with bp pulse on this project to deliver ultra-fast charging and support is focusing heavily on our sustainable charging hubs are vital for this. 3,000 vehicles. The new charging hub includes three ultra-fast 150kW charging units that charge an EV to 80 per cent capacity in as vehicles an even faster charge. Q-Park UK, said: We are delighted to Q-Park was delighted to partner with The Clatterbridge Cancer Charity to provide discounted parking for those who took part in the Glow Green Night Walk on 4 February in Liverpool. Q-Park, which operates six car parks in the area, offered participants 25 per cent off pre-booking the already discounted evening special product at its Dale Street car park. SWARCO on national framework Following a competitive tendering process, SWARCO Traffic has been appointed to the National Highways Operational Technology Commercial Framework (OTCF), which will run for a minimum of two years. The OTCF will be the primary commercial vehicle to support the delivery of National Highways Road Investment Strategy 2 and consists of five lots, ranging from operational systems to consultancy and support services. Within the lots awarded, SWARCO Traffic will have the opportunity to provide variable message signs, speed warning signs and parking-guidance technology, as well as its urban mobility management software, MyCity. John Pickworth, managing director of SWARCO Traffic, said: We are pleased that our highquality mobility solutions have been recognised by National Highways. This framework allows easy access to our leading traffic management technologies without a lengthy procurement process. 10 britishparking.co.uk PN March 2022 pp10-11 Companies News.indd 10 22/02/2022 14:29