Burlington taking on parking problems with better data and pucks

The city is moving ahead with a new system it argues is good for the environment, planning and the downtown driver.

Burlington council approved a $165,000 plan to install sensors in all municipally owned off-street parking facilities. The data collected can then be provided to drivers in real time through digital signage and will give planners a better picture of the parking supply in the downtown.

Vito Tolone, director of transportation services with the City of Burlington, said the installation of the puck-like sensors can improve the information available to everyone.

What we get with the pucks we have on the street is that 99.99 per cent accuracy. So, we're moving ahead with that system and we're confident with those pucks installed we will get the accurate numbers," said Tolone.

Staff believe that having accurate data can help determine where and when new parking lots are required and will reduce drivers needing to circle lots to find a spot.

The city expects the system to be up and running by the end of August.