New parking monitoring technology implemented by Armidale Dumaresq Council (ADC) in the Armidale CBD is set to begin operation within the next few weeks, once installation and testing is complete.
With necessary line marking virtually complete, numbered labels are now being affixed to individual parking space, where the electronic sensors are being installed. The sensors, located beneath the surface of each bay, will inform Council’s Rangers on foot patrol if vehicles have overstayed the free parking time allowed for that space.
“The availability of free parking in the CBD will remain the same; the only change is that the surveillance systems are being modernised,” said Councillor Rob Richardson, who is on the Working Party overseeing the introduction of the technology.
As the sensors are being installed, Council will contact any nearby residences directly to advise them of the work. The work is being timed to minimise any inconvenience to the public and businesses.
Information in the form of Frequently Asked Questions about the new technology remains available on the ADC website. A printed brochure containing similar information is being produced and will include a map showing time limited parking locations. The brochure will be available from Council Rangers, ADC’s Customer Service Centre at 135 Rusden Street, and will also be distributed to businesses.
“The recent work in improved CBD parking includes recent community consultation about free timed parking limits, resulting in some one-hour zones being increased to two hours, such as in Cinders Lane car park,” said Mayor of ADC, Cr Jim Maher.
“Once the testing of the new parking monitoring technology is complete, I anticipate improved productivity in our monitoring work, and fairer distribution of CBD parking, for the benefit of the retail community, shoppers and businesses in Armidale,” said Cr Maher.
The information derived from the sensors will enable Council to keep time limits under more effective review and to respond better to patterns of demand over time.
