A new hybrid parking-monitoring vehicle, equipped with number plate recognition technology, high-speed cameras and a GPS tracking system will soon be trialled at Birtinya, Point Cartwright, Nicklin Way and Caloundra, Sunshine Coast Council has announced.
Sunshine Coast Council Customer Engagement and Planning Services Group Executive, Debra Robinson said the new ParkSmart vehicle technology was already in use in other parts of Australia and aimed to encourage vehicle turnover, creating parking opportunities and allowing equitable and safe access to various locations across our region.
The vehicle is equipped with number plate recognition, six high speed cameras and a GPS tracking system. It captures images of parked vehicles and records the vehicle location (GPS coordinates), number plate and time, allowing Council to monitor regulated parking areas to ensure motorists are adhering to parking regulations.
It can operate in all weather conditions and identifies regulated parking conditions on the street.
Ms Robinson said the vehicle was clearly marked and would provide a safer work environment for parking officers.
“Sadly, many of our officers are at risk of physical and verbal abuse while carrying out their duties when regulating on-street parking or stopping illegal parking,” she said.
“The new ParkSmart vehicle reduces the risk of abuse.”
She said signage on how Council regulates parking was now in place to inform residents and visitors of the new system.
“We want our residents and visitors to become familiar with the new approach to patrolling and as a result, it is intended that a four-week education program will start from July 18, when council will issue caution notices rather than infringements,” Ms Robinson said.
“However, if the area has been patrolled by a Regulated Parking Officer, you will receive your infringement notice on your windscreen, which is in line with our current practice.
“Once the education period is over, infringement notices will be issued by post.”
