Coming back from the European Parking Association (EPA) Conference in Brussels, we are piecing together a series of insights that are shaping the landscape of mobility in European cities. The event was an exciting opportunity to hear from policymakers, innovators, and municipalities about the challenges and opportunities linked to reshaping urban space through progressive parking.
It was clear that “smart mobility” is not just a trend.
Cities are under pressure to balance sustainability goals, new regulations, and the increasing demands of residents, commuters, and businesses. The EPA Conference reinforced that parking is no longer a static asset, but a dynamic enabler of urban transformation.
Parking as a Strategic Urban Asset
One of the strongest messages from EPA sessions was that it is fundamental to manage urban resources strategically to make cities more livable and attractive. Topics such as curbside management, multimodal mobility hubs, and dynamic use of existing infrastructure took center stage.
Parking facilities are being reimagined not only as entry points to the city but also as multifunctional spaces – hosting EV charging, integrating with logistics, and serving as nodes in a broader mobility network. This multifunctional role is key to supporting both sustainability and economic vitality in city centers.
Digitalization at the Core
Digitalization was another recurring theme. From License Plate Recognition and digital permits to real-time data sharing across platforms, the message was clear: parking must integrate seamlessly with the wider mobility ecosystem. Data interoperability – through standards such as APDS – and the creation of National Parking Registers are paving the way for cities to deliver truly connected mobility services.
AI-driven solutions, dynamic pricing, and pre-booking systems are transforming the parking experience. For municipalities, this means better visibility, control, and planning. For drivers, it means convenience, less congestion, and a smoother journey.
Electromobility and Grid Integration
The growth of electromobility is transforming the parking landscape. EV charging infrastructure is now an essential part of parking strategy, and its deployment has to be smart, scalable, and citizen friendly. The EPA discussion highlighted the importance of aligning EV charging with demand-based parking policies, so that sustainability goes hand in hand with efficiency.
How HUB Supports Cities
Our solutions are designed to support cities in this transition with flexible, integrated systems that address the evolving needs of urban mobility:
- License Plate Recognition (LPR) ensures quick, secure, and paperless access to both on- and off-street spaces,
- Dynamic tariffs allow cities to shape demand – keeping high-turnover spaces available in busy areas while easing pressure elsewhere,
- Mobile booking and digital permits integrate with existing city apps, enabling seamless reservations, payment, and access,
- Scalable infrastructure enables municipalities to easily add EV chargers, expand to new districts, or adapt during events.
Parking solutions must be inclusive, accessible, and adaptable to the diverse needs of urban communities. Our solutions support cities in balancing the requirements of residents, businesses, and service providers.
Looking Ahead
The EPA Conference was a strong reminder that parking is a driver of change in urban mobility. Cities that treat parking as part of their smart mobility strategy will be better equipped to face the green and digital transitions, serving their citizens at best.
We’re excited to keep supporting municipalities and local authorities on this journey – helping them transform parking from a static necessity into a dynamic enabler of smart, sustainable cities.
