curbside management

Curbside management is the coordinated use of smart camera technology, dynamic curbside management tools, and parking occupancy detection/notification to optimize how curb space is allocated, monitored, and used for vehicles, deliveries, and public needs.

smart camera technology

Camera Technology for Enforcement​: Cameras are used to improve and automate the enforcement of parking and standing violations in bus and bike lanes.

Costs

Expenses vary based on the size, number, and type of camera installations. For example, Chicago’s pilot program on six buses cost $315,852, while the MTA’s system costs about $21,840 per system annually.

Key Considerations

  • Enforcement policies, such as whether violation tickets can be mailed

  • The specific focus of enforcement, like bike lanes, bus lanes, or both

Pros

  • Less traffic disruptions

  • Enhanced safety for cyclists & pedestrians

  • Better running buses and traffic flows

Cons

  • May require policy changes for ticketing

  • Privacy concerns

  • Hacking or internet connectivity issues

 

Representative Use Cases

Chicago DOT

Field Conditions

Best suited for busy, mixed-use areas like downtowns and central business districts (CBDs) that have protected bike and bus lanes.

dynamic curbside management

This technology uses data to help manage curb space efficiently, adjusting for different needs throughout the day.

Costs

Setting up the system can cost between $520,000 and $7.5 million, depending on how many loading zones are included (from 30 up to 500). There are also yearly fees starting around $56,000, based on the number of locations and cameras.

Key Considerations

  • Can violation tickets be mailed to drivers?

  • Who owns the poles where cameras will be installed?

  • Is power available at these locations, and who provides it?

  • How large the system will be and how many spots it will cover?

Pros

  • Revenues generated can be self-sustaining

  • Can minimize double parking

  • Improve freight movement

Cons

  • Better applied over numerous block faces

  • Policy/enforcement issues

  • Data management

 
 
 

Representative Use Cases – Currently in use across several cities like Pittsburgh and LA

Pittsburgh

LADOT

Field Conditions

Ideal for busy, mixed-use areas with high population density, such as downtowns and central business districts (CBDs).

parking occupancy detection/notification

These systems make parking easier by providing real-time information about available spaces and guiding drivers to open spots.

Costs by Technology

  • Ultrasonic sensors: $300–$500 per parking space

  • Magnetometer sensors: Around $100 each

  • Smart parking meters: $250–$500 each

  • Basic AI-powered camera systems: $69 per camera per month

  • Full management systems: $30,000–$120,000

Key Considerations

  • Types of sensors or cameras used (inground or overhead)

  • Connectivity and how data is managed

  • Installation and ongoing maintenance costs

  • Whether the parking is on surface lots or in parking structures.

Pros

  • Reduced search and circulating time

  • Improved parking utilization

  • Reduced congestion

Cons

  • Sensor communication challenges

  • Sensor or camera obstructions

  • Accuracy

 
 
 

Representative Use Cases

Montreal, QC

Key Conditions

Ideal for areas with a large number of parking spaces and diverse parking options. These sites typically require existing digital infrastructure or the capability to support new technology installations.

 
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