Electronic parking sensors are used in locations across Stonnington to accurately monitor time-limited parking spaces and more efficiently manage parking enforcement resources.
The rollout of parking sensor monitoring comes following a successful trial in three local shopping precincts - Glenferrie Road Malvern, High Street Armadale and Toorak Village Toorak.
Over the course of the six-month trial, the improved effectiveness of parking enforcement from the sensor technology resulted in a significant improvement in parking compliance, with a 32 per cent drop in the number of drivers overstaying timed parking restrictions.
This reduction in overstays has freed up many parking spaces, making more spaces available for visitors to our busy precincts.
The sensors are also a valuable tool for our parking enforcement team to ensure resources are deployed where they are needed most.
The City of Stonnington will join a number of neighbouring councils where the use of electronic parking sensors is commonplace.
The introduction of parking sensors is part of a broader Stonnington Smart Cities Strategy being rolled out across the city. For more information visit the Smart Cities webpage.
What is a parking sensor and how does it work?
A parking sensor is a small electronic device installed underneath a car parking bay. The sensor registers when a vehicle enters and leaves the parking bay. This information tells us a lot about the typical use of bays in different parts of the city. It also alerts our parking officers if a vehicle has overstayed time restrictions for a particular parking bay.
All data collected from the sensors is safely sent to a secure storage facility in Melbourne in line with Australian data sovereignty laws. The sensors do not collect any private or identifiable data like registration plates, names or similar.
Are the sensors accurate?
Yes. The sensors are very accurate and receive regular health checks to ensure they record vehicle movements correctly. The sensor time is synchronised through a central server set to Australian eastern standard time.
Will the sensors be used to issue parking fines?
Yes. The sensors record when a vehicle enters and leaves an on-street parking bay or off-street car park bay. When a vehicle has overstayed the maximum time permitted, a parking officer in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle will receive an alert from the sensor. The officer will verify the details and determine whether a parking fine should be issued.
Where are the sensors located?
Parking sensors are installed in multiple on-street parking bays and in off-street car parks across Stonnington.
Signs advising electronic parking sensors are in use are displayed at each location.
What are the benefits of the sensors?
Using parking sensor technology to monitor parking behaviour:
- provides accurate data on the way parking is being used
- allows us to manage parking enforcement more efficiently
- encourages motorists to follow restrictions
- helps improve turnover of parking spaces
- makes it easier to locate available parking via the PayStay app.