There are those we know who have driven around for almost an hour near Griotte’s place looking for a spot to park their carriage and who, in frustration, nearly chopped said carriage into little pieces!
Fortunately, the city of Nice has just launched its new intelligent parking system, Nice Park, combining new-generation parking meters, a smartphone app, and a network of sensors. Thanks to a free app, available on iPhone and Android, called Nice City Pass, you can now locate free spaces, book remotely, and pay for parking by the minute, as well as monitor real traffic conditions, calculate a public transport route, or check the availability of Vélo Bleu and Autobleue stations. But is it really wise to drive with a phone in your hand? Will the City of Nice make an exception to the law?
Nice at the cutting edge of progress…
Aside from their usual functions, nearly 70 “smart” parking meters will allow users to stay updated on city news and upcoming events, get information on available public transport (buses, trams, trains), or calculate a route. They will also serve as free Wi-Fi access points.
In service since Monday in the Griotte (Notre-Dame) neighborhood, the system will gradually extend to 13 areas of the city. Currently, 70 parking meters and 1,000 sensors are installed. Enough to stroll down Jean Médecin Avenue, discover new arrivals at Nice Étoile, and buy the bugnes that Griotte loves! The whole city center is expected to be equipped by the end of the year.
Residential parking subscribers will receive their new card at home, which they must tap on the meter.
The first metropolis in Europe to install this system, the city of Nice has already been awarded the “Best Innovative Smart City Project 2011” prize in Barcelona for this.
… but Nice breaking the law!
Griotte is pondering a crucial question. Will Nice be the only city where you can legally look at your iPhone while driving? Has Christian Estrosi briefed the municipal police teams not to fine users of this app?
If you get stopped with a phone in your hand in downtown Nice, you just need to say (with a nice smile): “I wasn’t looking at my texts, but at my Nice City Pass application.”
La Griotte
https://lagriotteanice.wordpress.com
