Author: Jake Jensema, Dixon Resources Unlimited

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The parking industry is undergoing a quiet but important transformation. What was once seen as a fixed and often overlooked part of city infrastructure is now recognized as a valuable and flexible asset that can improve mobility, support local economies, and even contribute to environmental goals. A big driver of this shift is smarter curb management. In the past, most curb space was used almost exclusively for personal vehicle parking. But today, cities are facing far greater demands on that same limited space. Deliveries, ride-share pick-ups, scooters and bikes, and outdoor dining setups all compete for room. To keep traffic moving and parking systems working, cities need to be more intentional about how curb space is managed.

This is where better data becomes essential. Cities can’t manage what they don’t understand. With license plate recognition (LPR) technology, they can start seeing the full picture. LPR data reveals when and where curbs are busiest, how long vehicles are staying, and which areas are underused or overused. Armed with this information, cities can stop guessing and start making targeted decisions.

For example, a busy commercial street might need loading zones in the morning, short-term parking for lunch traffic, and ride-share pick-up areas in the evening. A residential block might be better served by overnight permit parking. It all depends on what the data says. Without that insight, curb policies can quickly become outdated or ineffective, leading to double-parked delivery vans, blocked bike lanes, and drivers endlessly circling for a spot. These aren’t just minor inconveniences; they impact safety, slow down buses, and frustrate local businesses.

The curb is now one of the most dynamic pieces of city real estate. It’s no longer just about where cars sit. It’s about how cities move. And with better data and a smarter approach, cities can turn curb space into an asset that works better for everyone.