Fraser Coast Regional Council has announced it will trial Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) technology at three schools and in high-use residential areas to improve safety for both school children and residents.
Deputy Mayor, Paul Truscott said the trial will involve fixed cameras at schools and mobile cameras in residential areas to improve monitoring and make school drop-off and pick-up safer.
“Schools are busy areas, especially during peak times where there are often lots of children who may not fully grasp road dangers,” he said.
“Council’s Parking Compliance team consistently receives complaints about illegal parking during school terms, creating safety risks for both children and drivers. Unlike other areas managed by the State Government, school car parks fall under Council’s regulation.”
Since June, the Council has received 306 general parking complaints.
“Council rangers patrolling school zones frequently face confrontations with aggressive parents over parking violations. This technology will enhance their safety and boost efficiency in managing these areas,” said Mayor Truscott.
“The School Safe Parking Program aims to ease traffic congestion, reduce accidents, and encourage responsible parking around schools.
“The trial will focus on high-complaint areas to detect and record illegal parking, using AI-powered technology.”
The trial will begin at St Helens State School in Maryborough at the start of Term 1, 2025, with Hervey Bay State High and Kawungan State School participating in the following phase.
“Once we’ve verified camera configurations, Council will proceed with the programmes by the end of term 1, 2025,” Mayor Truscott said.
“Council will also be trialling a SafePark Mobile Camera Vehicle with the aid of mobile camera technology to monitor inner-city areas.
“This vehicle, driven by a parking officer, includes high-definition cameras, GPS, and a video processing server to record parking non-compliance.
“Captured parking offences will then be reviewed by an authorised officer to determine whether an infringement is warranted.
“This technology has already proven effective, with Councils like Ipswich, Sunshine Coast, Logan and Brisbane, already using it with great success.”
To avoid parking fines, residents are encouraged to follow all parking rules, including:
- Parking signs (parking is restricted during peak times);
- ‘No Stopping’ signs and ‘No Parking’ signs;
- Yellow Edge Lines (stopping and parking is prohibited and no standing zones);
- Loading Zone signs;
- Parking in or across driveways;
- Illegal parking on footways and nature strips (parking over crossings).
“Council is also upgrading parking technology at the Hervey Bay Airport with new camera monitoring to enhance safety and comfort for visitors and locals during arrivals and departures.”