WIT Press Release
Title: WIT introduces new traffic management system to boost safety and accessibility
Release date: Tue, Apr 08, 2008
Waterford Institute of Technology has introduced a new car park management system on part of its main campus, an initiative which is designed to boost safety and improve driver habits.
The barrier-controlled system to the front of the main building on the Cork Road campus came into operation this week and has been implemented to ensure that the Institute's staff and students as well as visitors to the campus can use the free car parks safely.
The pilot project will be monitored closely to ensure that it is implemented effectively. The barriers feature in-built counters which will ensure anyone entering the car park will do so in the knowledge that a parking space will be available for them.
The new management system cuts out the temptation to park illegally in the controlled area and reduces the temptation to abandon cars in unauthorised safety zones in particular, according to a WIT spokesman.
"The car park management system will ensure that car parks are fully utilised and used as designed. The practice of parking in non-designated areas will be eliminated thus ensuring that WIT complies with health and safety requirements. These include the accommodation of emergency vehicles.
"To date we have encountered some difficulties with access in emergency situations. Despite regular patrols of the car parks by security staff and wheel clamping, these parking issues have continued to cause difficulties.
"We have carried out a number of studies of effective car park management in similar locations and determined that a car park management system such as we have implemented is the most effective system," the spokesman added.
Parking at WIT remains free of charge to all. The dynamic, new system will also allow the Institute to prioritise parking and reserve spaces on demand where and when needed for Institute business and special visits to the college.
