Number of plate concerns
CITY motorists have slammed the City of Greater Geelong’s new number plate technology amid privacy fears that the council is “spying” on their movements.
The new technology, which requires drivers to enter their vehicle registration details at parking meters, has received heated backlash since it became installed on July 1.
Some drivers have refused to comply with the new system, instead entering bogus number plates such as “RIPOFF” and “NOWAY”.
Others have chosen to avoid CBD council parking altogether, heading to shopping centres such as Westfield and Market Square to dodge the new system, as well as the controversial price hikes.
Motorist Sam Duggan said he did not trust the new technology, as he feared it could allow city officers to track his movements. “I’m concerned about what this new technology is being used for,” he said.
According to Geelong council, the new pay-by-plate technology was “necessary” for the City’s free 30-minute weekday carparking trial.
City of Greater Geelong director planning, design and development Gareth Smith said the technology would help parking officers determine overstay.
“Officers will be able to link the registration number with the payment technology to determine payment and overstay, rather than walking from car to car to view displayed tickets,” he said. “The officers are already required to record registration numbers for parking infringement.”
Mr Smith would not comment on whether motorists would be fined for entering bogus number plate details.
However he encouraged motorists to “embrace” the new system, knocking back violation of privacy claims.
“We encourage the community to embrace the service by accurately providing their registration plate details,” he said.
“The registration number will not be shared with, or accessed by, any other area of council or organisation.”
A similar system was installed by the City of Melbourne across Melbourne’s CBD in November 2017.
Geelong motorist Marion Hamilton said she was disappointed in the new system as she valued being able to pass on her valid parking tickets to other drivers.
“I like to be able to give my leftover ticket which still has time on it to the elderly, young people or those with a disability,” she said.
Mr Smith said the technology would provide numerous benefits to drivers from the start of the trial on December 1, as they would not have to return to their cars to display a ticket; paper wastage would be minimised; and parking transactions could be carried out through an app.