This week, the Melbourne City Council announced the introduction of an electronic parking detection system throughout Melbourne’s
CBD and Southbank.
CBD and Southbank.
Utilising sensors installed in the ground beneath the
parking spaces, and in conjunction with technology able to automatically read
license plate numbers, the system monitors the length of time a car spends in a
space. If the vehicle exceeds the time limit, an alert is sent to a handheld
device carried by parking inspectors, who will then conduct a check on the
vehicle to determine if the motorist has stayed too long. The council will also
be trialling a pay-by-phone system, enabling motorists to use their mobile
phones to pay for parking.
parking spaces, and in conjunction with technology able to automatically read
license plate numbers, the system monitors the length of time a car spends in a
space. If the vehicle exceeds the time limit, an alert is sent to a handheld
device carried by parking inspectors, who will then conduct a check on the
vehicle to determine if the motorist has stayed too long. The council will also
be trialling a pay-by-phone system, enabling motorists to use their mobile
phones to pay for parking.
The Council hopes that the technology will stimulate a
greater availability (or turnover) of parking spaces, as drivers realise that
they are more likely to receive an infringement notice if they overstay.
greater availability (or turnover) of parking spaces, as drivers realise that
they are more likely to receive an infringement notice if they overstay.
The system will be deployed on 4,500 parking spaces,
will cost about $3 million and is expected to generate a return of almost $8
million more from extra fines over the next four years. The Age claims,
however, that it is also likely to lead to industrial action by parking
inspectors, who would see much of their roles rendered obsolete.
will cost about $3 million and is expected to generate a return of almost $8
million more from extra fines over the next four years. The Age claims,
however, that it is also likely to lead to industrial action by parking
inspectors, who would see much of their roles rendered obsolete.