As part of PMHC's practical steps to assist with the management of available car spaces in the Port Macquarie CBD, a trial of new technology will be undertaken over the coming three months to help regulate turnover of parking spaces in high demand areas and encourage behavioural change where needed. The trial will seek to improve compliance through education, whilst also increase the safety of Rangers on the ground.
Starting this week, PMHC Rangers will be patrolling Port Macquarie CBD parking zones using Mobile Licence Plate Recognition (MLPR) technology. The technology uses a vehicle-mounted camera, similar to a dashcam, to read licence plates of parked vehicles in signposted areas, rather than the current process of monitoring via Rangers chalking tyres. The technology provides a more streamlined and efficient approach to parking management.
"Off the back of recent work in developing and adopting the Port Macquarie CBD Parking Precinct Plan, and the continued growth of the region and visitation to the CBD in particular, it is important for Council to ensure it continues to monitor current parking trends and respond in an efficient and effective way." Mayor Adam Roberts says.
The introduction of MLPR technology does not change any parking regulations. Motorists are still required to follow the signed parking time limits and conditions that apply to each parking area. The desire is for improved parking turnover in these areas to increase availability.
At the outset of the trial, to support education vehicles will typically see warning notices issued advising of an overstay. As the trial progresses standard enforcement methods will be implemented, which includes an infringement notice (penalty notice) where appropriate.
"Our population and visitor economy is growing, and to ensure the CBD remains vibrant and broadly beneficial to locals, tourists and business owners, the need for parking behaviour change is becoming increasingly important."
"The Port Macquarie CBD has both timed and untimed car spaces, with the fringes of the CBD still having under-utilised capacity, which is well-suited to business owners and employees. I thank those people who are doing the right thing and would encourage more use of the all-day parking to relieve some of the pressure on the key visitor and customer parking areas."
"In adopting the Port Macquarie Town Centre Parking Precinct Plan in June, Council has also resolved to receive a report at a future meeting on what additional physical car parking spaces could be created in or near the Port Macquarie CBD to enable a practical discussion on those opportunities", said Mayor Roberts.
PMHC Acting Group Manager for Environment and Regulatory Services Matthew Rand said the trial of the MLPR technology is part of PMHC's ongoing efforts to modernise parking enforcement and traffic management capability.
"We are committed to ensuring fair and equitable access to parking for all, particularly in high-demand areas. The MLPR technology offers a flexible and cost-efficient way to help us do that and we are keen to see how this can help improve efficiency, staff safety and community outcomes. The technology has been successfully used in other Local Government Areas, but is being trialed in Port Macquarie for the first time."
Information on overstays and staff safety collected during the trial will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the technology and inform future decisions regarding long-term parking management solutions both within the Port Macquarie CBD and other high demand parking areas across the LGA.
