A high-tech car parking monitoring trial, which cracks down on illegal parking, is being expanded on the Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine Coast Council’s ParkSmart program will introduce its third vehicle, equipped with number plate recognition, six high-speed cameras, a GPS tracking system and advanced computer software, to patrol Maroochydore, including the Cotton Tree and Picnic Point areas, Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headland.
The vehicle operates in all weather conditions and captures images of parked vehicles and records the vehicle location through GPS co-ordinates, number plate and time.
It allows council to monitor regulated parking areas to ensure motorists are adhering to parking regulations.
Customer and planning services group executive Debra Robinson said there would be a four-week educational period with caution notices issued before infringements would then be imposed.
“This new parking monitoring technology is aimed at creating impartial and safe access to various locations across our popular regions,” she said.
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“It’s also focused on providing a safer work environment for parking officers and reducing the risk of occupational violence.
“We have seen a real reduction in occupational violence in our trial areas, so we’re keen to continue streamlining this less intrusive parking monitoring, by adding these further four locations.
“We also look forward to supporting the local businesses in Maroochydore, including the Cotton Tree and Picnic Point areas, Mooloolaba and Alexandra Headland as ParkSmart provides greater coverage and capacity to encourage visitor turnover.
“We’ve been seeing the benefits of using this new technology in highly concentrated locations, such as Eumundi during the bi-weekly Eumundi Markets.”
During the trial, regulated parking patrols may be carried out by foot patrol or the ParkSmart vehicle with council’s regulated parking officers.
If the area has been patrolled by the ParkSmart vehicle, you will receive your caution or infringement notice by post.
If the area has been patrolled by a foot patrol, you will receive your infringement notice on your windscreen, which is in line with current practice.
Those with a Disability Parking Permit are required under their permit conditions to clearly display the permit on the windshield of their vehicle.
For more information about ParkSmart, visit Sunshine Coast Council’s website.
