FAQs
- measure any improvement in customer experience including parking compliance for kerbside restrictions
- assess if the signs reduce road congestion and improve network operations
- collect evidence of more efficient and safer ‘special events’ compliance
- examine the suitability and viability of the technology for future roll-out.
- simpler and easier to understand signage including illuminated signage at night
- a potential reduction in the number of accidental non-compliance and associated fines
- a potential reduction in towing incidents
- potential improvements in traffic flow in key locations due to better network performance and efficiency.
What are the Smart Technology Programs and why is Transport for NSW (Transport) carrying out a trial?
Transport has established a number of Smart Technology Programs to deliver the NSW Government commitment to reduce road congestion and improve road user experience across Greater Sydney and NSW regional centres. These programs will trial and deploy a range of innovative technology solutions to reduce congestion, simplify messaging, introduce more flexible signalised traffic lights to cater for all road users, enhance incident management, augment emergency response and improve safety.
As part of this initiative, a Smart Signage trial will be conducted in Chalmers Street, Surry Hills between Cleveland Street and Devonshire Street from Monday 28 November 2022 to assess the technology and evaluate community response to Smart Signage.
The trial will use digital signage developed by Transport to replace multiple static signs displaying various kerbside lane restrictions including clearways, timed parking, no stopping, bus lanes and loading zones.
The trial aims to:
A trial is also planned for Elizabeth Street, CBD between between Park Street and Liverpool Street in the near future.
Where and when is the Smart Signage trial taking place?
A Smart Signage trial will be conducted in Chalmers Street, Surry Hills, between Cleveland Street and Devonshire Street (installing 14 signs), commencing Monday 28 November 2022.
A trial is also planned for Elizabeth Street, CBD, between Park Street and Liverpool Street (installing 6 signs) in the near future.
What information do the Smart Signs provide?
Depending on the requirements of the location, the Smart Signs can display the current and upcoming parking restrictions. If required, the Smart Signs can also display the kerbside restrictions covering the next 24 hours or the entire week. Smart Signage can be further customised to provide information about upcoming special event clearways.
The signs display information in the same way as existing parking and regulatory signs in a digital format.
Will advertising be displayed on the Smart Sign panels?
No. There will be no advertising displayed on the Smart Sign panels.
There is a camera attached to the Smart Signage panel. Am I being filmed?
The Smart Signage panels have a camera located at the top of the sign which only captures the current restrictions that are being displayed on the panel. This information can be viewed remotely by Transport for quality control and evaluation. Footage of individuals is not captured, viewed or recorded.
What technology do these signs use?
The Smart Signage displays utilise electronic film based technology for the display panel. The displays are powered by solar panels or mains electricity (depending on the location) backed up with a Lithium ion battery and are highly energy efficient, reliable, and durable. During the trials, a camera mounted over the panel will remotely monitor the Smart Sign performance.
How long will the Smart Signage trial go for?
The Smart Signage trial will be conducted for up to 18 months from Monday 28 November 2022. At the end of the trial, Transport will undertake a full review on the effectiveness of the Smart Signage technology and community feedback. Decisions regarding the next stages of the program will be taken based on the overall performance of the trials.
What are the Smart Signage trial benefits for drivers?
The Smart Signage trial aims to reduce the level of complexity in signage for locations which feature multiple kerbside restrictions including clear ways and timed parking.
Benefits for customers include:
How can I find out more or provide feedback on the new signs?
For further information about the Smart Signage trial, email projects@transport.nsw.gov.au, call the Project Infoline 1800 684 490 or visit the Smart Technology Programs webpage https://www.transport.nsw.gov.au/STCP
You can also provide feedback from Monday 28 November 2022 via the Have Your Say survey at https://yoursay.transport.nsw.gov.au/smart-signage
Will there be different parking restrictions for the Smart Signage trial to what is currently there?
No - there is no change to the current parking restrictions in the trial location. Compliance requirements remain the same.
Will the Smart Signs be used to change parking restrictions in the trial locations?
No. The Smart Signs provide parking information for the approved parking restrictions only. The timeframes and locations of parking restrictions remains the same.
I have a parking permit. Does it still apply in this location?
Yes - there are no changes to existing parking regulations in the Smart Signage trial location. All existing parking restrictions apply, including applicable parking permits.