Starting February 1, a new parking system has been introduced at Pärnu’s largest shopping center, Kaubamajakas. Visitors can park for free for up to four hours, after which they have the option to extend their parking for a fee. The free parking period begins automatically upon entry, thanks to license plate recognition cameras, eliminating the need for a parking clock.
Recent changes to Pärnu’s city parking regulations have led to an increase in drivers looking for free parking, with some vehicles remaining in the Kaubamajakas parking lot for days or even weeks. “We want to ensure that our customers always have convenient parking near the shopping center,” said Kaubamajakas CEO Ivar Pinsel. “This is why we saw the need to adjust our parking system, ensuring the best possible experience for our visitors, including when they park. Four hours is plenty of time for customers to complete their shopping,” Pinsel added.
Kaubamajakas has recently undergone a major expansion, bringing several new brands to the center. “With more visitors coming to the center, the availability of free parking spaces is a top priority for us. It’s important to emphasize that this new parking system is not about generating revenue but ensuring that visitors always have access to parking,” Pinsel explained.
The new parking solution is managed by Snabb, chosen for its innovative license plate recognition technology, which is already in use at 14 Snabb-operated parking lots across Estonia.
According to Snabb CEO Kustas Kõiv, 90% of parking fines in clock-based parking areas are due to drivers forgetting to set their parking clock. “The solution is eliminating the need for a parking clock, which license plate recognition cameras make possible. At Ülemiste and Järve shopping centers, where this technology is in use, the number of fines issued is ten times lower compared to previous clock-based systems,” Kõiv noted.
After the free parking period ends, visitors can conveniently start paid parking through the Snabb or Pargi.ee apps or via SMS. Regardless of the payment method used, charges only begin after the initial four-hour free period.
