On October 8, 2026, the Madrid City Council approved a contract for an automated access system that will enhance security and management in 50 resident parking facilities. The initiative comes with a budget of €1.4 million and aims to improve the identification of authorized vehicles through license plate recognition technology.
The new system will feature automatic barriers, cameras, intercoms, and a digital platform for managing access. It is designed to operate 24/7, ensuring that user incidents are addressed at all times. The City Council's decision was made during a meeting of the Governing Board, which approved a mixed contract for services and supplies to install this system in two batches of 25 facilities each.
This automated access system will guarantee that residents can access their designated parking spots, streamline incident management, and optimize municipal resources allocated for parking control and inspection. Additionally, it will integrate with the Low Emission Zone and other municipal mobility systems, promoting a more automated management model while enhancing oversight of resident parking usage.
The contract, which has an initial duration of three years with the possibility of a one-year extension, will replace existing access mechanisms, which vary by facility and include keys, remotes, and other control systems. The new cameras will identify vehicle license plates upon entry and exit, allowing for automated management of authorized vehicle access.
This initiative responds to findings from the Parking Inspection Plan, which highlighted various instances of improper use of parking spaces. The absence of automated mechanisms has made it challenging to promptly verify vehicles entering the facilities, necessitating more resources for supervision.
The system will provide comprehensive information about access and facilitate the detection of potential violations, while also improving safety and enabling remote incident management. Furthermore, the management system will be integrated with the municipal application MAPAR, the Data Platform, and other corporate systems, ensuring that information is incorporated into existing city tools.
The contract also includes the installation of intercoms connected to a remote control center, which will assist users 24/7. The service is expected to respond to at least 90% of calls within 30 seconds, with a maximum response time of 45 minutes for on-site assistance for unresolved issues.
The new infrastructure must achieve a minimum annual availability of 99% and will include necessary preventive and corrective maintenance work to ensure optimal functioning. The implementation will take place across 50 municipal resident parking facilities, with a maximum completion timeframe of seven months.
Currently, Madrid has 281 municipal parking facilities, both resident and mixed, totaling over 98,000 spaces for residents. Their management varies by facility, involving concessionary companies, user communities, and, to a lesser extent, direct management by the Municipal Transport Company (EMT Madrid). The gradual implementation of automated control systems is expected to enhance parking security, improve user service, and ensure appropriate use of spaces allocated for residents.
