#100. Parking Spaces 100 Miles From Here?

We were on I-10 West coming home from Arizona this weekend and saw a large type of sign I don't recall ever seeing before.  It raised more questions than it answered.

 

We saw one at about mile 17 on the AZ side, then another about 50 miles into California.  They were meant to show the number of open parking spaces in upcoming rest areas.  But what good does it do to know there are 9 open spaces at a rest area 100 miles up the road?  By the time we get there an hour and a half later, the number must be different, dozens of vehicles must have come and gone since then.

The sign in Arizona did have numbers, with the middle slot blacked out.  I just didn't get my camera out in time to capture it.   The missing number suggested that particular rest area was closed.  Sure enough, the Cactus City Rest Area just West of Chiriaco Summit was not only closed, it had been completely dismantled and dug up on both sides of the road.  The sign in California was blank on all rows.  No wi-fi connection?  Both signs had their own solar panel for power.

Since this vast empty stretch of road gives us time to wonder about things, how do they know how many parking spaces are available at each site?  It could be done at great cost by adding some kind of sensor to every parking space, or scanning each lot with multiple cameras.  But the data would have to be compiled and transmitted -- more costs -- and then the signs have to tune into whatever data feed was involved -- more costs -- all for what?

I could not think of a real use for these numbers.  What a project, just to fill a few numbers a board an hour or more away, and then abandon the system altogether.

By the way, this is the 100th blog post.  I try to feature a variety of topics and levels of seriousness.  The underlying theme is like the old song: "Signs, signs, everywhere signs."  We're surrounded by signs and symbols, and I like taking the time to try and bring them to our attention, maybe even explain them if I can.  Thanks for taking the ride with me.

 

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