Member Article

Flowbird Supports Angus Council's Digital Strategy

Parking technology developed by Flowbird is helping Angus Council roll out a digital strategy to optimise the benefits of cashless payment systems and virtual parking permits.

The council, which serves communities on the east coast of Scotland, is committed to using digital systems both to improve operational efficiency and make access to services easier for residents, businesses, students and staff.

As part of this strategy, Angus Council has installed 40 new Flowbird solar powered cashless parking terminals across the region and introduced the company’s white label online parking payment portal – Pay to Park. This system enables registered users to pay remotely for individual sessions or to buy period-based virtual permits covering off street parking.

The new Strada Evolution terminals have been installed at six locations - Arbroath (13), Brechin (6), Carnoustie (3), Forfar (12), Kirriemuir (3) and Montrose (3). All offer card and contactless payment options, together with QR code scanning and NFC tag functionality enabled for iOS and Android smartphone platforms.

Said Kenny Scouller, Head of Sales at Flowbird: “Parking has never been easier. Account holders can create new parking sessions at any listed location by using NFC, QR code scanning or web browsing functionality on their smartphones or by using cashless payment systems at the terminal. For frequent users, the virtual permits provide a cost effective and convenient solution.

“Another major benefit for the council is that regardless of the payment option selected – at the terminal, via a permit or online account - all financial data is held in Flowbird’s Smartfolio central management system. This provides more efficient data analysis, enables data to be reconciled from various providers, and allows Angus to configure payment options remotely to meet their parking strategy.”

These new terminals, the cashless payment options and the associated online payment platform are important elements in the council’s digital strategy to make access to services as convenient as possible for citizens.

In addition to the cashless terminals, Angus Council has also ordered 14 coin-only machines from Flowbird to meet the needs of citizens less able to access digital services.

Ends

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Colin Bridgman .