The new parking system was first proposed to businesses in the city in 2005. Since then there have been some changes to the idea - the zone boundaries have been moved slightly, so that they match those of the Emergency Planning Map.

The zone symbols have also been altered so that they meet the Department for Transport’s guidelines.

We have taken a huge leap forward with the project by getting all city centre car park operators on board with the proposals. A pilot scheme is in progress on the A611, featuring digital display boards and multi purpose digital cameras; the digital display boards provide up to the minute traffic information and  the digital cameras monitor traffic flow.

For example, we can now accurately tell motorists on the A611 up-to-the minute journey times for the route into the city centre and inform them of any road incidents or delays.

Below is a list of the various stages of ParkSmart
Car Park Operators agree to the proposals in principle - Completed
Boundaries and sign symbols agreed and finalised - Completed
Department for Transport approving the proposals - Completed
Nottingham City Council approval - Completed
Park & Ride facilities - Completed
Pedestrian signing implementation - Due to start April 2008
Car park occupancy signing implementation - Due to start April 2008
Information boards introduced - Ongoing
Local business involvement - Ongoing

The completion of ParkSmart, including the new signs and technology, is scheduled for March 2009.