The Pavilion Shopping Centre launched a paid parking system in November 2012 as part its on-going Master Development Plan. The new system sees shoppers pay from R5 to park on the roof and offers benefits to tenants and customers, first of which is increased security.
In an environment where crime is on the increase and a secure shopping experience is essential, The Pavilion Management have put a great deal of emphasis on creating a setting where, through controlled access, day to day risks are reduced.
Additional bonuses to this modern system include the option of making parking payments in advance; reserving parking for frequent customers; and the ability to communicate rates and changes in advance. Pay booths are able to offer small change in all denominations as well as in notes, and there is an improved voice communication system on all equipment.
Future benefits will include: the ability to check the availability of parking on the way to the Centre on smart phones via the internet; the convenience of making cell phone and credit card payments at pay stations and exit booms; and the option for tenants to offer discounted parking to customers.
“The Centre will also have the ability to identify parking hotspots or problem areas and take preventative action, as well as being able to create specific parking areas for groups or individuals in order to ensure that the patrons get the most ideal parking locations,” says Anton Dekker, the Centre General Manager.
Due to the high volumes expected, Management have increased the parking staff quota at the pay stations and boom gates to assist with customer queries until the system is fully operational. “The Parking Attendants will remain in the area, should they so wish, to assist with basic parking and trolley management, and it will be at the patrons’ discretion to pay for these services, as per normal practice,” commented Dekker.
“It is important to note that the area at the back of the Centre and Checkers parking area is free parking for staff and patrons to the Centre,” confirmed Dekker.
The tariff structure has been completed and “it is important to note that the parking rates of the roof parking are noticeably below the Durban average,” explained Dekker.
“The system is currently in its implementation phase and as such will require some testing before all of the features are fully functional. We request our patrons’ patience during this phase so that we can all benefit from the improvements it offers. We value positive feedback as it is a learning curve for all concerned,” said Dekker.