An Arduino-Based Automated Multi-Tiered Car Parking System for University of Lagos and Expected Financial Gains

Abstract

Insufficient parking spaces in public places sometimes lead to untoward behaviours, traffic jams, loss of man-hour, security issues, stress and environments that are generally not congenial. The University of Lagos is not exempt and this is evident in the chaotic traffic situations on campus, especially when there is a special event. This paper intends to point out the gains of automated/semi-automated multi-tiered car parks in the University of Lagos, which include a tidier environment, reduction of stress, better security and extra funds for the institution. Also, merging parks close to each other by employing the multi-tiered system would release spaces for other uses. Three Sample car parks were “merged” in a multi-tiered building, releasing two parking spaces; the financial benefits were realized by using released spaces as fee-paying car parks. A prototype of Arduino-based automated two-tiered car park was designed and produced which allows entry/exit to only authorized users with radio frequency identification (RFID) cards. A liquid crystal display (LCD) shows the available number of parking spaces and locations.