Digital Smart Kerbs

Introduction

City councils and Transport for NSW needed more data to make decisions about how to best manage kerbside use. Smart Digital Kerbside is testing different technologies to collect information on kerb use, and how those spaces can be better managed. 

This pilot will trial a digital inventory of kerb space allocation and the use of intelligent sensors. These smart technologies will capture real-time kerb usage data for three pilot locations: Campbelltown and Penrith. Information captured will include current kerb space allocation (for example, on footpaths, in parking and bus stops, taxi and loading zones) for each road, by time of day and day of the week

Challenge

There is debate over how to best use the kerb lanes and footpaths in our city centres.  Some say they should be used as a place to load goods; others would prefer a bike lane, or limited-time parking. 

However, there is no shared data platform for recording kerb space allocation and multi-modal usage. This makes it difficult for state and local roads authorities and transport planners to improve efficiency. 

Solution

This project is making a digital record of how and when kerbsides are used in 2 council locations: Campbelltown and Penrith. 

The first trial uses technologies like: 

• surface-mount sensors 

• digital parking signs  

• systems to study vehicle and pedestrian activity. 

This information will help city councils and Transport for NSW adjust the use of space at different times. The trial will help to make streets safer for people walking and riding bikes and more efficient for businesses moving goods.

The digital inventory of street and mobility parking gathered will be accessible on the Transport for NSW Open Data Hub, shared by NSW Government and local councils. 

Expected outcomes

Smart Places outcome areas:

• collaboration and connection
• equality, accessibility and inclusion.

This pilot will help Transport for NSW and partner councils improve the way they optimise the use of kerb spaces in centres and across the network. 

Additional benefits could include: 

• improved safety outcomes for pedestrians, public transport passengers and cyclists

• improved road network optimisation and performance

• a lift in economic productivity in key urban centres, supporting freight and mobility service providers and local businesses.

Multimedia assets

Resources

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