The city council of La Laguna is taking big steps to declutter its streets by implementing measures that discourage on-street parking. Among these initiatives is the proposal to install blue zone parking metres and an automated parking tower.
Currently, approximately 80 hectares of public space in La Laguna are occupied by parked vehicles, highlighting the need for effective solutions.
One of the most ambitious proposals from the city council is the creation of an automated parking tower specifically designed for electric vehicles (EVs). These towers, known as "Mecano" towers, aim to provide a secure and efficient parking solution while simultaneously addressing the growing demand for an EV charging infrastructure.
How It Works
The proposed automated parking tower operates using lifts and moving platforms. Drivers would park their vehicles on a designated platform, which the system would then transport and store the car automatically. Upon returning, drivers would enter a specific code, and the tower would retrieve their charged vehicle. This seamless process not only saves space but also ensures that electric cars are conveniently recharged using renewable energy sources.
The tower is designed to incorporate solar panels on its roof, harnessing solar energy to power the charging stations. Additionally, the system includes solar batteries for energy storage, making the entire process environmentally friendly. Each parking module within the tower functions as an electrical storage unit, potentially connecting with other modules across the municipality to create a comprehensive energy network.
Project Specifications:
The council has prioritised this project, emphasising the critical need to embrace the energy transition. By adopting this innovative parking solution, La Laguna aims to reduce the reliance on public EV chargers and promote sustainable urban development.
In a press release, they stated: "Failing to adopt a new energy model means losing the train of the energy transition.” The automated parking tower project is seen as a pivotal solution to avoid the continual installation of EV chargers on public roads, promoting a cleaner and more organised urban environment.
As La Laguna moves forward with this innovative project, the city is set to become a model for sustainable urban planning and smart city solutions. The integration of automated parking and renewable energy not only addresses current parking and environmental challenges but also sets the stage for future advancements in urban infrastructure.
