Car park sensors fine more drivers than parking inspectors, in a shakedown trial in Adelaide, which is being considered to extend an automated parking fines system after a trial found it to be far more effective than paying parking inspectors to walk the streets issuing infringement notices.
Charles Sturt Council in Adelaide’s western suburbs tested out the electronic parking technology near the Hindmarsh Entertainment Centre tram stop in Port Road. The sensors were installed in three parking bays and, over five months, 285 motorists were caught overstaying the one-hour limit. In the same time, parking inspectors identified just 16 infringements.
The Adelaide-developed technology designed by Jega Balakrishnan, uses cameras to check number plates, coupled with wireless sensors which are built into the road to detect anyone overstaying time limits. Offenders automatically receive infringement notices by post.
Adelaide City Council is considering using the technology, as are councils in Melbourne and Sydney’s metropolitan areas.