Westfield Miranda has begun trialling a smart parking system that uses sensors and AI to direct drivers to available spaces, addressing long-standing complaints about weekend congestion in the shopping centre’s car parks.

The $2.3 million system, installed across levels P1 through P4, uses overhead sensors to detect vacant spaces and displays real-time availability on digital screens throughout the car park. Drivers can also access the information through the Westfield app.

“Saturday afternoons were becoming unbearable,” said Sutherland Shire resident Jennifer Walsh, who shops at Miranda weekly. “You’d spend 20 minutes just circling looking for a spot. Now the screens tell you exactly where to go.”

How the System Works

The technology involves several components working together:

• Ultrasonic sensors above each parking space detect vehicle presence
• AI software analyses traffic patterns and predicts availability
• Digital displays guide drivers to areas with free spaces
• The app provides real-time updates and can even reserve spots

Centre manager David Thompson said early results have exceeded expectations. “We’re seeing a 35% reduction in average time to find parking. That means less frustrated shoppers and less carbon emissions from cars circling the car park.”

Local Business Impact

Retailers in the centre have noticed the difference. Tony Nguyen, who operates a Vietnamese restaurant in the food court, said customers are arriving in better moods.

“Before, people would come in already stressed from the parking situation. Now they’re more relaxed, more likely to browse, more likely to stay for a proper meal instead of grabbing something quick.”

The system cost is being absorbed by Scentre Group, Westfield’s owner, as part of broader upgrades to their NSW shopping centres. Miranda was chosen as a pilot location due to its consistently high weekend traffic and limited public transport options compared to CBD centres.

Community Response

Sutherland Shire Council has welcomed the initiative, noting it aligns with their goals to reduce traffic congestion in the Miranda area.

“Anything that keeps cars moving rather than circling is good for the local road network,” said a council spokesperson. “We’re hoping other large venues in the Shire take note.”

Not everyone is convinced the technology is necessary. Local resident Marcus Chen questioned whether the money could have been better spent. “It’s a shopping centre car park, not rocket science. Do we really need AI to tell us where to park?”

But for most regular shoppers, the upgrade is welcome. The trial will run until February 2025, after which Scentre Group will decide whether to roll out the technology to other centres.