HAS anyone seen this natty little car?
If you have, look out, because if you were not properly parked, it might just be issuing you a parking ticket.
Redland City Council has unveiled the newest member of its parking inspector team – an automated number plate recognition vehicle.
It means that council officers will now do parking patrols without having to get out of their vehicle.
A council spokesman said the car was hard to miss and would be out and about on Redland streets.
“Council's community response and parking patrol car is now in operation,’’ he said.
“...Yes, it does have a dash cam, so please ensure you're parking in the right spot and follow instructions on the signs.
“Time limits are there to ensure fair access for all, a smooth flow of traffic and safety – particularly at schools.’’
The cars have not long been introduced at Logan City Council and their use means it is easier for officers to police places like schools where drivers tend to leave engines idling in loading zones, while waiting for kids.
The cars patrol streets, scanning number plates as they go.
They can immediately identify illegally parked vehicles.
The patrol car then records the time of the infringement and takes photographs.
Logan City councillor Jennie Breene said the council had last year booked 800 motorists in school zones for parking too close to crossings and corners and double parking.
She said the patrol car could cover a 20-minute on-foot job in about 30 seconds and would cost council $447,000 to run over five years.
“It can scan both sides of a street while being driven at 60 km, without stopping, and I think it’s fair to say that the car can cover up to 100km a day. If the vehicle works well, council will definitely consider getting a second vehicle,’’ Cr Breene said.
Car parking has become a major issue in Redlands, particularly at Weinam Creek and Cleveland Railway station.
No extra car parks have been announced so far for the Cleveland Railway Station redevelopment and council also has sold the public car park opposite Coles in Cleveland which is expected to add to CBD parking pressure, despite parks being added further away.
