Hofgarten Solingen Introduces Ticketless Payment Method for Parking
In a significant shift towards modern parking solutions, the parking garage in Solingen's Hofgarten shopping centre will implement a new billing system starting November 16. This change marks the garage's transition to a cashless payment system, a move that aligns with Contipark's strategy to convert cash machines exclusively to cashless payment options.
For regular users and frequent visitors, known as Pcard holders, the first and second half hour parking fees will remain at €0.60 each. Every subsequent full hour will cost €1.00. However, the daily maximum rate for Pcard holders has been reduced to a more affordable €4.00, compared to the higher daily maximum rate for visitors without a Pcard.
The new billing system uses license plate recognition for automatic access to the parking garage. Upon exit, Pcard holders are required to insert their Pcard into a machine for automatic billing. This streamlined process eliminates the need for cash payments, making the parking experience more convenient for Pcard holders.
Interestingly, the billing process for Pcard holders remains separate from the new license plate recognition system. The Pcard billing process itself does not require cash payments, making it a key prerequisite for Contipark's cashless transition.
For those without a Pcard, the entry process will involve either manually entering their license plate number at a kiosk or the system automatically recognizing the license plate upon entry via camera-based license plate recognition technology. Upon exit or in a payment terminal, the system retrieves the parking duration based on the license plate and allows payment via common credit cards or mobile payments such as Apple Pay.
This transition to cashless payments is a response to changing customer behavior, as Contipark aims to cater to the increasing preference for card-based transactions. The parking garage will officially be considered cashless once at least 80% of customers have previously paid with a credit or debit card at that location.
For precise details about the Hofgarten garage system in Solingen, including the exact entry of license plates and payment workflow, and the specific changes for Pcard holders, please consult the official Solingen city or Hofgarten parking authority resources.
- To accommodate Pcard holders in the new billing system, their parking fees will still be processed without the need for cash, thus aligning with Contipark's strategy for transitioning to cashless payment options.
- The technology used in this cashless transition extends beyond just the billing system, as it also employs camera-based license plate recognition to facilitate automatic access and payment for those without a Pcard.
