The Phnom Penh International Airport will host a soft launch for a new $1 million car parking system on Thursday.

Chloe Lapeyre, the general manager of the airport, told a press conference this week that the new hi-tech system will improve the flow of traffic at the terminals, and allow visitors to pay for parking at eight different kiosks before leaving.

Then, while exiting the lot, the commuters’ receipt will be scanned at the gates. As long as they leave within 15 minutes of paying, the system will recognise and allow them to leave quickly.

“The new payment system will lead to smoother traffic flow and be easier for record keeping,” she said, adding that the system includes the payment machines as well as licence plate recognition and prepaid cards, which will improve service for frequent commuters.

The capital’s airport is currently able to handle up to 183 cars in the departure area and a maximum of 267 in the arrival zone. According to data from the airport, an average of 3,000 vehicles pass through the airport’s loop every day.