Case Study: Enhancing Efficiency in Lambeth Methodology Parking Surveys with Innovative Technology

Overview

Lambeth Methodology Parking Surveys are a critical component of planning applications, helping councils assess parking stress and ensure that proposed developments won’t negatively impact local networks. Traditionally, these surveys rely on enumerators walking predefined areas—200 meters for residential developments or 500 meters for commercial sites—manually recording vehicle positions with pen and paper.

At Obtrada, we’ve revolutionized this process by developing an in-house car-mounted camera system that streamlines data collection, increases efficiency, and reduces costs. Here’s how we successfully applied this technology to a recent project.

The Challenge

We were tasked with conducting a Lambeth Style Parking Survey in a central town location covering in excess of 9 miles of road space. The survey required:

·         Four-hourly data collection over three days.

·         High accuracy to identify parking stress and available spaces.

·         Minimization of client costs while ensuring data reliability & accuracy.

Traditional methods would have required:

·         Multiple enumerators walking the route, splitting sections, and working in shifts.

·         Up to 3–4 hours per route pass due to manual data recording and input.

·         Significant logistical challenges to coordinate staff and maintain consistency across the survey scope. 

The Solution

Using our custom-designed car-mounted camera system, we approached the survey with a focus on efficiency and accuracy.

Camera Coverage:

Our system utilized four cameras, capturing multiple angles simultaneously. This eliminated the blind spots common with single-camera setups and mitigated sun glare, which could impair data accuracy during surveys.

Visual data also provided a permanent record of parking locations, satisfying council requirements and serving as a reliable reference for any post-survey queries.

Geo-Location Tracking:

A geo-location monitoring system was used to plan and map the most efficient driving route. This ensured full coverage of the survey area without unnecessary backtracking, minimizing time on the road.

The driven route was linked to the video footage, enabling data extraction during post-processing.

Efficiency Gains:

The entire 9-mile route was completed in just 45 minutes per pass by a single enumerator in a vehicle.

All footage was downloaded & sent to be reviewed and analysed in the office from the same day, reducing on-site time and removing weather-related delays.

Results

Our approach delivered significant improvements compared to traditional methods:

Metric	Traditional Method	Obtrada's Method
Survey Completion Time	~3–4 hours per pass	45 minutes per pass
Personnel Requirements	3–5 enumerators per shift	1 enumerator per shift
Project Costs	High due to logistics/staff	Reduced by ~50%
Data Accuracy	Relies on manual input	Enhanced with video evidence

 This enabled us to complete the project ahead of schedule while reducing overall costs for the client. Additionally, the comprehensive video footage allowed for faster and more accurate report generation, ensuring client satisfaction.

Future Potential

The success of this project highlights the potential for further innovations, including:

360 image capture: Providing clients with a real-time “StreetView”-style deliverable for better planning insights.

Integrated mapping: Embedding geo-data directly into video footage for intuitive site navigation.

Sustainability Impact

By reducing the number of personnel and optimising survey routes, our system contributes to sustainability goals by:

·         Lowering the carbon footprint of surveys.

·         Reducing repeat site visits through comprehensive data capture.

·         Minimizing client travel by providing visual site references.

Conclusion

This case study demonstrates how Obtrada’s innovative technology can transform Lambeth Style Parking Surveys, delivering faster, more reliable, and cost-effective results. As we continue to refine our methods, we’re excited to set new standards for efficiency and accuracy in transport planning surveys.