Wollongong Central shopping centre has rolled out a new ticketless parking system, designed to make parking more convenient for visitors. The system, which uses licence plate recognition technology, eliminates the need for paper tickets, allowing drivers to enter and exit the car park seamlessly.
How the New System Works
Shoppers entering the car park will have their licence plates automatically scanned upon entry. When leaving, the system again scans the plate and calculates the parking duration. Payment can be made at pay stations using cash, card, or mobile payment options, or via the centre's app before returning to the vehicle. The system also allows for free parking periods, which are automatically applied without any action from the driver.
Benefits for Shoppers
The ticketless system aims to reduce congestion at entry and exit points, as there is no need to stop for a ticket or wait for a barrier to open. It also eliminates the frustration of lost tickets or queuing at pay machines. The centre hopes this will improve the overall shopping experience.
Implementation and Feedback
The rollout began in early March, with all car park entries and exits now equipped with the new technology. Initial feedback from shoppers has been positive, with many appreciating the convenience. The centre management plans to monitor the system closely and make adjustments as needed.
Wollongong Central joins a growing number of shopping centres across Australia adopting similar technology, reflecting a broader trend towards contactless and automated services in retail environments.
