For many drivers, the sign shown in the story remains a mystery. YWN-ISRAEL asked a number of drivers if they knew what the sign is about, and most admitted they remain clueless. The particular sign in the photo stands proudly on Aggripas Street in Yerushalayim, opposite Machane Yehuda, AKA “The Shuk”.

So what is the sign about? It informs motorists how many parking spaces remain available in the different parking lots around the shuk. This can eliminate a driver having to head to a lot only to learn it is full. The signs are expensive, as is the project, for in theory, the signs are updated in real time so a driver always knows which direction is best for finding a paid parking space, in this case near the shul.

On the day this latest shot was taken, Monday, Rosh Chodesh Shevat, the digital displays are not entirely working and one only sees a partial number. What YWN-ISRAEL learned is that the sign usually shows 1,280 spots available in the top clot and that number seems to remain a constant.

What is in fact true is that many, if not most, parking lots in the area are not connected to the sign or the system. MyNet in a recent report added that even in cases in which a parking lot is connected, the number displayed on the sign rarely reflects parking realities.

It is pointed out this system was taken from Tel Aviv, where it is working well for about a decade, possibly longer. However, in Jerusalem, there is little other than an oversized sign and partially visible digital numbers.

The MyNet reports on the sign giving information on the parking lot in the Mamilla area of the capital. However, the manager of the parking explained the sign does not depict reality as in the case when it was checked, the sign showed 600 available spaces when in fact the lot was full to capacity.

One parking lot owner explains the signs are updated every few hours and this accounts for some of the discrepancies. Another parking lot operator explains most of the available parking spaces are not even included in the system.

Interestingly MyNet has learned the system costs NIS 300,000 annually to operate. Persons in the system blame the lack of timely cooperation from parking lot operators. The parking operators insist the signs are not updated in real time.

So while this project could serve as a helpful component in navigating the parking challenges of downtown Jerusalem, for now, most of the signs remain nothing more than a photo op for visitors.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)