PARKING FEES AS AN ELEMENT OF URBAN MOBILITY MANAGEMENT

In the face of increasing urbanization and congested city centers, smart parking systems are becoming a key element of modern transportation infrastructure. The purpose of this article is to present the assumptions, functionality, and analytical capabilities of smart parking systems, as well as their role in improving the efficiency of urban mobility management. Particular attention is paid to the analytical potential of smart systems in the context of optimizing parking fees, increasing vehicle turnover, and supporting sustainable transport policies. The analysis is based on data from the smart parking system, including the number of tickets sold, payment methods used, and vehicle parking times. A comparative approach was used, combining data from 2021 to 2025, allowing for the identification of changes in user behavior in paid parking zones during the period of implementation and development of modern technologies. The results indicate a systematic increase in the use of mobile payments, average parking times within the short-term range, and higher vehicle turnover, demonstrating the increasing effectiveness of the fee system as a regulatory tool. These observations can be used in practice to shape rates and operational rules for paid parking zones, better align offerings with actual user needs, and support urban strategies aimed at reducing congestion and promoting more sustainable forms of travel.