When Will AI Replace Préposé au stationnement ?

The automation of parking attendant roles is unfolding rapidly. By 2026-2027, new airport parking facilities are expected to implement fully automated systems, eliminating 80-90% of attendant positions. By 2027-2028, hospital and commercial parking will see significant staff reductions, with 50-60% of roles impacted as payment and access control become automated. Valet services at hotels, restaurants, and events are anticipated to remain human-operated through 2032, though this is subject to change.

The early wave of automation, primarily impacting new airport parking, will see a drastic reduction in human roles. This is driven by the justification of upfront capital investment in advanced systems like Stanley Robotics and BOSCH Automated Valet Parking.

Mid-wave transformations will focus on payment and access control in hospital and commercial lots. Technologies like ParkPlus automated garages and mobile payment apps such as ParkMobile and SpotHero will reduce the need for manual intervention, cutting staff by 50-60%.

The roles most directly impacted by AI automation are those involving routine tasks like ticket taking, payment processing, and guiding vehicles. As automated parking systems and robotic valets become more sophisticated, the demand for human parking attendants in areas with high capital investment will diminish significantly.

While specific data on safe roles with salary increases isn't detailed in the executive summary, the implication is that roles requiring complex human interaction, problem-solving, or management oversight in the parking sector might be more resilient. The summary points to valet parking at hotels, restaurants, and events as remaining human-operated longer.

To navigate the evolving landscape, parking attendants should focus on adapting to new technologies. This includes understanding how AI-powered systems like automated parking, robotic valets, and license plate recognition function. Familiarity with mobile payment applications such as ParkMobile and SpotHero will also be beneficial.

Proactive engagement with the implementation of automated systems is key. Attendants can pivot to roles that manage or oversee these technologies, or focus on niche areas like specialized valet services that are less susceptible to immediate automation. Staying informed about facility-specific automation timelines is also a crucial step.