Car parks around Australia are preparing for a future of transport where demand for parking spots is no longer at the premium it is today, after Parking Australia reached an agreement with Skyportz to install drone and aerial taxi landing pads on the roof of multi-level car parks.

Following Uber’s announcement earlier that Melbourne would play host to Uber Air’s first trial outside of America, it is believed that aerial mobility may be a serious player in the transport landscape of the future.

Under the agreement, Skyportz will provide infrastructure capable of supporting the landing of aerial mobility vehicles, according to Skyportz CEO Clem Newton-Brown.

“Space is at a premium in our cities and this partnership will allow Skyportz to develop a comprehensive network of sites around Australia in preparation for the aerial mobility revolution which is almost here,” said Mr Newton-Brown.

“Prototype aircraft are already flying and there are some of the biggest aviation companies in the world involved, including Airbus, Bell and Boeing.”

Mr Newton-Brown also raised the possibility of using rooftops for delivery drone operations.

“Delivery drones will be faster, cheaper and better for the amenity of residential apartments.”

Speaking on the announcement of the joint venture with Skyportz, Parking Australia CEO Stuart Norman said there was a need to consider the future direction of transport and how this would affect parking infrastructure.

“With future modes of mobility changing, the commercial parking industry is well placed to provide the infrastructure needs of new mobility including autonomous vehicles, electric charging, and electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft landing pads,” said Mr Norman.

With Uber Air trials set to begin in Melbourne early next year as well as the growing potential of drones as a delivery service, utilizing roof space may become commonplace sooner rather than later.

Original source: The Australian (subscription required) | New use for high-rise car parks

18 Nov 2019