A Swindon company has developed cutting-edge technology for use in a major project in Saudi Arabia.

Metric Group has partnered with the Riyadh Region Municipality and long-standing regional distributor IDEX to successfully install more than 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, which is 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 will officially launch later this month, 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 is the director of development, product delivery and international sales at Metric Group.

He 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’re 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."

By using high-efficiency photovoltaic panels, the parking machines are powered entirely by renewable energy, reducing carbon emissions by up to 250-560kg 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 per cent.

Christian added: "Our solar-powered machines not only contribute to energy independence but also minimise infrastructure costs.

"By operating independently of the electrical grid, they offer a sustainable, low-maintenance solution perfectly suited for Riyadh’s hot desert climate.

"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."

The solar-powered parking machines align with the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Riyadh into a leading global urban centre.

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