IPsens, a leading provider of cloud-based parking and transportation management systems has had its technology selected to manage the Florida Department of Transportation’s (FDOT) TPAS (Truck Parking Availability System) program in South Florida.
FDOT’s TPAS program uses parking guidance sensors installed in truck stop and rest area parking spaces to monitor individual space availability, and then communicate that information to truck drivers via roadside signage. When drivers become fatigued or approach their mandated time for resting they can access the system via a special app and locate the closest available parking space. The introduction of the TPAS program is the culmination of a six-year effort on the part of the State of Florida, IPsens, and scholars from Florida International University and the University of Florida to create, test, and implement a sensor program for Florida’s highways. FDOT plans to continue their roll out the program statewide in the coming months.
Missouri-based IPsens is a leading provider of cloud-based parking, data exchange, and information management systems. In addition to its open IP parking management software, the company also offers a variety of commercial and enterprise software systems, including commercial parking traffic analysis platforms, as well as corporate, university campus, municipal, airport, and truck parking management software systems and services.
For the TPAS program, IPsens is providing an Application Programming Interface (API) to connect future apps used by truckers with FDOT’s management system. The company also oversees the connectivity of the sensors, compiles and processes the data collected by the sensors, and then transmits that data to FDOT’s operations center. In a multinational approach, IPsens has also provided the in-ground SENSIT parking guidance sensors from the Netherlands-based Nedap group, through the Canadian company Intelligent Imaging Systems (IIS), in cooperation with Spanish systems integrator SICE, which is FDOT’s general contractor.
“Efficient freight delivery is vital to Florida’s economy,” said Brian Blanchard, FDOT’s assistant secretary for engineering and operations. “This system will increase safety for both the traveling public and truck drivers who are required to stop after driving a certain number of hours. This system will aid them in planning their trips, so they can find a safe place to park.”
Gorm Tuxen, president of IPsens, commented, “We are proud to be playing such a prominent role in this important program. It’s estimated that fatigue is a factor in nearly a third of all fatal crashes and a quarter of all insurance losses. This program will save lives on Florida’s highways by helping tired truck drivers find a place to rest.”
