“Smart Parking” for trucks employs advanced technology,
called Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), to help truck drivers find
available space to park their trucks when they are out on the road. Drivers can be notified of parking
availability through technologies such as on-road signs, onboard computers, or via
cell phone.
The goal of smart parking is to help drivers locate parking
spots as quickly and efficiently as possible so they don’t have to drive around
searching for parking. Due to a critical
shortage of truck parking and rest areas, trucks often end up illegally parking
and idling on exit ramps, road shoulders and neighborhood streets while they
wait to load or unload their cargo nearby. Smart parking can reduce this idling
activity, and in turn reduce toxic diesel emissions, which contribute to poor
air quality and adverse health effects. Smart parking also helps to alleviate
driver fatigue and, in turn, reduce accidents.