We would like to mention a number of solutions, ways in which Polish local governments are striving to become smart.
Waste segregation in Ciechanów
The “T-Master ELMO” network of intelligent waste bins is in use in Ciechanów. This system does away with anonymity – each household has to enter a unique code to use a bin. Since the system has entered use segregation increased from 10% to 90% and as many as 82.6% of respondents declared that they would not like to return to the previous system.
IVOTING in Jaworze
An application for on-line voting is available to Jaworze residents. The system simultaneously ensures voter anonymity and only allows entitled voters to participate. Blockchain technology is used to confirm voter identity.
Urban Lab in Gdynia
Urban Lab comprises small specialised teams, most often established by city authorities, tasked with testing various solutions on a small scale and determining whether it is possible to implement a given new idea on a large scale. In Gdynia, the Institute of Urban and Regional Development in cooperation with the Regional Policy and Funds Ministry are putting together an Urban Lab. This unit will research the relations between residents and city authorities. The fruit of Urban Lab's work is the digital citylight (information boards) pursued in partnership with AMS.
Intelligent car parking in Rzeszów
A decision was made to introduce an AI based car parking system in Rzeszów. The goal was to reduce traffic in paid parking zones. 240 masts and 320 cameras have appeared in the city. The system installed by ASSECO covers more than 2200 car parking places. The number of estimated vacant car parking spaces in displayed on information boards. The system also features a mobile app which drivers can use to learn about the traffic conditions and pay for car parking spaces.
Summary
Smart City solutions for Polish urban centres are within reach. However, we certainly need to build a reliable platform where local government officials and businesses will work together making Polish cities even smarter.
