Riverty-Study: Two-thirds of people in major European countries call for Free-Flow Parking
63% of consumers in major countries in Europe want Free-Flow Parking – and 66 % of consumers would sign up for Free-Flow, driven by convenience. These are the results of a study on free-flow parking systems and customer parking preferences that Riverty, a leading FinTech company, today revealed at the Intertraffic in Amsterdam in partnership with Odyssee Research.
This sneak peek into the research highlights the transformative potential of removing traditional parking barriers, offering a glimpse into a future where urban mobility is seamless and efficient.
The study, which surveyed more than 5,750 participants in seven countries, outlines the inefficiency of current parking systems, where despite a 98% payment compliance rate, outdated barriers continue to impede urban flow. This calls for an innovative approach, with free-flow parking systems identified as a key solution to streamline vehicle movement and an easier parking experience.
Consumer Frustrations and Innovations
In regions that are behind in adopting free-flow systems, such as Germany, up to 55% of drivers face significant parking challenges. These include the need for exact change, limited card payment options, and restrictive operational hours. Therefore, almost two thirds (65 %) of the German target group would prefer free-flow solutions. Similar numbers are reported from Austria and Switzerland, where only 34% and 31% of parking spots feature free-flow parking. The study also reports that in countries with established free-flow parking systems, customers report significantly less of the issues they identified before. Highlighting the success of these systems, the study points to the Nordic countries as frontrunners, where free-flow parking is not only well-established but takes pole position with high average availability of over 60 %[1].
The Clear Preference for Free-Flow Parking
The study further reveals a notable preference for free-flow parking among 63% of respondents. This reflects a broad demand for more innovative, user-friendly parking solutions. Additionally, a shift in consumer behavior is evident with 59% favoring post-payment options, indicating a trend towards more flexible and convenient parking payment methods.
Vision for the Future
Riverty's insights suggest that the future of parking extends beyond mere vehicle storage. Free-flow parking systems could transform parking facilities into multifunctional service hubs, offering additional services such as electric vehicle charging and advance booking. This evolution towards smart, service-oriented parking spaces aligns with the wishes of the customers as, according to the study, two thirds prefer free-flow-parking solutions.
[1] Free-flow parking availability: Sweden 57%, Norway 73%, Denmark 63%, Finland 52%, Germany 35%, Austria 34%, Switzerland 31%.
About Riverty
Riverty, the fintech arm of Bertelsmann, supports thousands of merchants and over 28 million consumers by processing more than 80 million transactions monthly. Offering flexible payments, debt collection, and smart accounting solutions, Riverty empowers businesses and consumers with cutting-edge financial services. With a dedicated team of over 4,000 employees across 11 countries in Europe and North America, Riverty is a leader in delivering comprehensive financial solutions.
