PR374_P14-15_Taranto.qxp_PR374_p14-15 15/08/2023 18:55 Page 2
Taranto is putting the user in the driving seat of permit application, writes Lewis Wray, Managing Director at Taranto Systems
Bringing permits into the digital age
T
he range of vehicle-related permits is vast – from residents parking to emissions controls – and every organisation that issues permits – whether local authority or commercial company – adopts a different model. There may be different permits depending on the type of vehicle or size of engine; fuel type – petrol, diesel, hybrid or electric; engine size; or vehicle weight. The type of permit may vary according to location, or parking zones may be different, depending on the peak parking timings – for example parking may be restricted near schools during the school run period. For authorities that have a clear view of how they want parking in their area to be administered, a ‘cookie-cutter’ off-the-shelf solution doesn’t cater sufficiently for different permit scenarios. That’s why Taranto set up discussion sessions with some of our longstanding local authority clients to find out what they really wanted in a permits solution. Taranto’s clients not only wanted a flexible, highly configurable solution that could be adapted to a specific authority’s particular permits strategy, but they also were keen to make it as open and easy
to use for their residents, businesses and visitors. Encouraging users to apply for permits online in a simple, intuitive way not only encourages residents to manage their own permits, making life easier for them, but also reduces the workload for hard-pressed council parking teams. The result of the consultation is Taranto’s enhanced Parking Permits module, which can be set up to support a complex array of permit options at the back-end, and also focuses on user centricity, offering an easy-to-use online permit portal. The portal has a particular emphasis on accessibility to enable the chore of applying for a permit to be as intuitive as possible, making it even easier for anyone with a disability or special needs to use the permit system. Taranto’s Parking Permit Portal covers the complete life-cycle of a permit, from initial application to renewal, including suspensions, changes in vehicle, temporary vehicles, as well as visitor permits. Renewal reminders can be set according to councils’ requirements to support their back-office processes. The portal can be branded with a council’s logo for greater user engagement. From the back-office perspective, Taranto Parking Permits can be
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