On auto pilot

On auto pilot
By: Chetan RDate: 2008-09-08

Bangalore:

Lined up: two-wheelers are parked on the roadside file pic

Parking two-wheelers will soon get easier with an automated parking system.

The system, which will be on a par with the system for four-wheelers on Brigade Road, is designed by a Bangalorean.

The auto machine is designed in two ways. First, it facilitates parking and second, it provides automatic security to the two-wheelers that are parked.

The Brigade road shopkeepers' association will initially bear the cost of running the system. Based on its success, it will be extended to other roads as a public-private partnership initiative.

"Our aim is to overcome the lack of a system to help two-wheeler owners to park their vehicles safely. The machine is very user-friendly," said Sohail Yousuf, president, Brigade road shop keepers association.

The auto machine has a locking system attached to the ground that locks wheels from either side as a vehicle is parked. The lock opens only on typing the code provided to user in the parking information slip. This prevents thefts.

One auto machine is designed to control a stretch that accommodates more than 10 two-wheelers.

"We have placed an orderwith France-based manufacturer Parkeon," said Yousuf. "Depending on the success of this experiment, we will order for more machines."

Trial run

The first machine is expected by October. It will be run on a trial basis in a road, which has a maximum number of parked two-wheelers. The mode of operation and charges will be decided later, based on the cost of machine and number of vehicles availing the service.

Once the system is successful, it will be extended to select roads partnering with BBMP and the local police.