New parking sensors piloted in Birmingham Jewellery Quarter

The Birmingham Jewellery Quarter has been home to some of the world’s most highly skilled jewellery makers for over two centuries, so it is no surprise that many consumers are keen to visit the area in order to peruse the array of products on offer there.

As well as specialist shops, the Quarter also features a range of cafes, bars and restaurants for visitors to make the most of.

Those planning trips to this part of Birmingham may welcome news that a new parking scheme is being piloted in the area. The scheme will run for an initial period of three months and it is aimed at helping motorists to find available spaces.

Around 200 sensors have been embedded in selected roads within the Jewellery Quarter. These devices are designed to detect the presence of a parked vehicle. The information they collect will then be made available via a smartphone application or website to show consumers where any free spaces are.

The firm behind the initiative claims it will benefit both drivers and businesses in the city. Meanwhile, the project will be extended to streets in the Colmore Business District area at a later date.

Eddie Fellows from Amey, the city council’s partner in maintaining and managing roads, said: “This trial will give us some indication of the ways in which these sensors can be used successfully, and what benefits they hold for Birmingham.”

He added: “Everyone has been in the position of finding themselves in an unfamiliar part of the city, not knowing where they might find a parking space and having to drive around in circles until they find one. It is our belief and desire that by using the data collected from the sensors, drivers can cut the time they spend and the fuel they use looking for a space, as they will know where there are pockets of availability.”