Creative Car Parks launches virtual queuing system

Creative Car Park (CCP) has launched a vehicle-based virtual queuing system.

The CarQ system instantly places a vehicle in a virtual queue as it enters a car park by using the automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology.

CCP said it has approached major retailers such as B&Q, Halfords, Ikea and Sainsbury’s. It aims to cover all major retailers within the coming weeks.

The company said all profits from the first six months of the CarQ operation will go directly to the NHS.

Creative Car Park said: “The driver remains safe and warm within their vehicle, rather than standing near to others in changeable weather conditions. When it is your turn to enter the store, you will receive a notification and can head straight inside.

“Customers can see the current predicted waiting time. Store operatives can remain inside the premises and use the system to call up the next customer based upon footfall and distancing rules, balancing the numbers entering any location.

“We know our ANPR system could help to prevent lengthy queues. This is made even better by our guarantee to donate all profits within the first six months to the NHS. We are glad so many retailers are showing their interest in this solution and in turn, also backing the NHS.”

Launched in 2005, Creative Car Park is an ANPR parking specialist that monitors the usage of clients’ car parks to ensure that only customers, guests and staff have permission to park.

Customers include small and medium-sized businesses, shops and restaurants as well as larger regional and national companies including Accor Hotels and Southern.

CCS took over the operation of its 1,000th site during December 2019, a Kentucky Fried Chicken outlet in Rainham, Kent.