Post-pandemic transport recovery Peter ODriscoll, managing director at RingGo, on how parking can help make our journeys greener, easier and happier nder the mantra Build Back Better and Greener, the 2021 Transport Decarbonisation Plan* highlights schemes for improving legacy transport infrastructure programmes by considering how changing patterns of work, shopping and business travel might affect them. From the ambitious pledges made by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, we can see that the government understands the importance of creating a sustainable transport infrastructure. Overhaul is not easy, however. Arriving at a point of sustainability success takes coordinated effort. The decarbonisation plan serves as a reminder of the goal of a net-zero industry. For this to happen, we need widescale technological and social changes, as well as a holistic review of transport. So where does parking fit in? U efficiency of transport. However, while the simplicity and convenience of digital solutions have done much to ease the stress of motorists, there remain frustrations. When it comes to parking, poor customer experience, hunting for a space, and lack of payment choice are common pain points that feed negative perceptions. Open-data networks and digital solutions pre-built into vehicles will help combat these challenges and improve customer experience. Integrated networks will power AI-enhanced navigation tools, providing real-time intelligence on parking availability and precise locations to drivers. This new breed of smart vehicle is likely to be equipped with in-car payment solutions. Open-data networks will also equip customers with vital information about a range of other services, such as EV chargers, accessibility for disabled drivers and air-quality information. This will result in a positive shift in public attitudes towards parking. Keeping competition alive in the transport industry is what will ensure positive change continues to happen at pace Going digital Today, drivers are demanding the same digital convenience for mobility as for broader consumer goods and services. In observing this trend, the government has recognised that technology that is increasingly automated and better equipped to meet user demands will boost the resiliency and The benefits of competition While the government has acknowledged that technology is driving radical changes in transport, with profound implications for users and businesses, keeping competition alive in the 24 britishparking.co.uk PN May 2022 pp24-25 Ringo.indd 24 21/04/2022 11:23