An ambitious initiative which aims to make parking more accessible and reduce carbon emissions by 560 kg per year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is utilising cutting edge technology from UK parking firm, Metric Group.
In partnership with the Riyadh Region Municipality and long standing regional distributor Idex, the intelligent parking company has successfully installed over 60 solar powered parking payment machines and 180 guidance panels, which locate free parking spots for drivers as part of the initial Riyadh Parking project trial.
Data and learnings from the trial will be used to inform ongoing parking provision in the area and Vision 2030, a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s effort to foster urban development, technological innovation, and environmental sustainability.
The Riyadh parking project aims to provide sustainable infrastructure while minimising improper and random parking for residents and visitors. Following the trial period, the project officially launched in October 2024, with plans to expand the use of Metric’s machines to other cities across Saudi Arabia.
Discussions for an additional 900 units in 2025 are already underway, along with potential expansion into other smart city solutions offered by the Swindon headquartered company, such as last mile delivery systems and bike storage infrastructure.
Christian Henly, director of development, product delivery and international sales, said: ‘We are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking initiative. The Riyadh parking project is a testament to how technology can address urban challenges, and we are proud to contribute to Riyadh’s smart city transformation under Vision 2030.
‘At Metric we pride ourselves on providing bespoke solutions for our customers and although we had experience adapting our technology for warmer climates, our team worked tirelessly to ensure our Universal models could withstand desert like conditions.’
At the heart of this project is Metric’s cutting edge solar technology, which delivers multiple environmental benefits. By using high efficiency photovoltaic (PV) panels, the parking machines are powered entirely by renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions by up to 250 to 560 kg per machine per year. Over time, the energy savings from grid electricity are expected to be significant, supporting Riyadh’s ambitious green energy target to ensure the contribution of renewable energy to the overall energy mix reaches 50%.
‘Our solar powered machines not only contribute to energy independence but also minimise infrastructure costs,’ Christian continued. ‘By operating independently of the electrical grid, they offer a sustainable, low maintenance solution perfectly suited for Riyadh’s hot desert climate.’
The deployment of these solar powered parking machines aligns closely with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Riyadh into a leading global urban centre. Metric’s technology enhances urban mobility, optimises energy use, and provides real time data insights that will help the city achieve smarter urban management.
‘We are a key enabler supporting Riyadh’s transformation into a smart city. By leveraging data analytics and Internet of Things (IoT) technology, we can provide real time insights and predictive models that will be used to inform city services and improve residents’ lives,’ said Christian.
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