The concentration of vehicular traffic and the increase of large commercial facilities in the central area, has made it difficult to find parking spaces in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. In response, parking information signs have been installed in stages since 1989, and in 1998, parking information via the Internet started. In December 2000, another service was launched in which an Internet-enabled mobile phone can be used to access the information from anywhere.
These effective and convenient services have greatly increased the use of parking information, and encouraged drivers to search for parking lots with vacancies, allowing parking spaces in the city to be evenly used. The services have also reduced the waiting time at the most crowded parking dropping by 62 percent.
[Toyota City of the Aichi Prefecture]
A parking information sign installed along a national highway leading to the city center
Provision of information on parking lots (on Internet screen)
Changes in waiting time for parking (example for the most crowded parking lot in Toyota City)
Parking information via a mobile phone
i-Mode : http://www2.its.toyota.aichi.jp/park/i
EZ web : http://www2.its.toyota.aichi.jp/park/e
Parking guidance information system
