The Challenge
HDB noticed an increase in illegal parking and waiting along three hotspots in Punggol:
- Obstruction and Noise Pollution: Vehicles frequently parked or waited at drop-off points, causing obstruction and inconvenience to other users. Incoming vehicles would honk at these parked vehicles, leading to noise pollution and disturbing nearby residents.
- Loading/Unloading Bay Congestion: Vehicles parked illegally at loading and unloading bays caused congestion, resulting in traffic tailbacks and forcing delivery vehicles to park unlawfully. This area experienced exceptionally high vehicular traffic, including light goods vehicles and heavy vehicles, which posed a safety risk to pedestrians.
- Blind Spots in Existing Monitoring Systems: Despite having a parking enforcement camera, key areas such as the no parking zone and the fire engine hardstanding were in the camera’s blind spot, reducing the effectiveness of monitoring and enforcement.
- Real Estate Limitations: Due to space constraints, the digital sentry’s effectiveness could be compromised if a vehicle was parked illegally directly in front of it, blocking its view.
Solution
To address these challenges, the SmartGuard Digital Sentry was deployed with the following features:
- 24/7 Visual Deterrence: The Digital Sentry provided constant physical deterrence through either standalone deployment or remote monitoring, ensuring visibility at all times.
- Advanced Video Analytics: Equipped with built-in cameras, the Digital Sentry utilised video analytics to detect vehicles and monitor illegal parking activities effectively.
- Customizable LED Messaging: The LED display on the Digital Sentry could show customised messages, including licence plate numbers of detected vehicles, acting as a direct deterrent and alert to violators.
- Durability in Outdoor Environments: The Digital Sentry was built with marine plywood with ceramic coating, making it water, rot, fungal, and chemical resistant, as well as UV-protected. This ensured durability in fluctuating temperatures and humid conditions.
- Efficient Vehicle Detection: Upon vehicle arrival, the Digital Sentry detected and displayed the licence plate number on the LED panel. For multiple incoming vehicles, it displayed licence plates consecutively, maintaining order and minimising congestion.
- Standby Messaging: When no vehicle was detected, the Digital Sentry displayed a customised standby message, maintaining a consistent visual presence.
Results
The SMARTGUARD Digital Sentry provided a robust solution to the illegal parking problem, effectively reducing congestion and enhancing safety. By deterring illegal parking through constant monitoring and real-time messaging, the Digital Sentry improved traffic flow and minimised noise pollution, creating a safer and more orderly environment. Its durable design ensured reliable operation even in challenging outdoor conditions, offering a sustainable and cost-effective solution for long-term use.
