Car-mounted parking patrols begin again

The car went back into service today, after extra high-visibility signs were added and the car-mounted system was returned to Orange after a close inspection by the manufacturer.

City of Orange Traffic Committee chair, Cr Russell Turner is pleased to see the camera in use again.

“I believe the main impact of this system was felt because drivers saw the well-marked car doing its rounds,” Cr Russell Turner said.

“Orange residents believe there’s a greater likelihood that their car will attract attention if they overstay a parking limit, so they’ll make sure they move it on.”

“To be fair to shoppers who haven’t seen the car out on the streets for a while, our car-crew won’t be issuing fines for the first week. Instead, if the system shows a car has overstayed it’s limit, rangers will be leaving a warning note under the windscreen wiper.”

Cr Turner rejected criticism of the number plate recognition system.

“The manufacturer has found that the car-mounted camera is working as it was designed. As in the past rangers have been instructed to give a driver the benefit of the doubt if it’s not clear from comparing computer images whether or not the car has moved.

That means if a decision is made to issue a ticket, the evidence is straightforward.

“This talk of ‘how far do I have to move my car to avoid a fine’ really misses the point."

This system is not about raising money. It’s about encouraging drivers to share the

available parking spaces fairly. If you’re driving around the block and coming back to

same location, you’re not sharing the spaces fairly.”

“It was interesting to see recent media coverage of one Orange resident who told how

he’d worked in the CBD for five years and had never been fined. ”

“We’re heading towards the peak of the holiday shopping season, and what local

businesses want to see is lots of turnover in the parking spaces, near their business.”

“As previously, foot patrols will continue in car parks and street parking areas as well as

the car-mounted system.”

IT'S BACK Orange City Councillor Russell Turner wants all of Orange to know the car-mounted parking patrol system is back in place, so that no-one is fined for over-staying the parking time limit.