Sensors, cameras and app part of new parking trial at North Lakes

A HI-TECH project that will attempt to improve access to parking at North Lakes will be rolled out next year.

Angus Taylor, Cr Julie Greer and Luke Howarth discuss parking in The Corso at North Lakes. Photo: Alan Quinney

A HI-TECH project that will attempt to improve access to parking at North Lakes will be rolled out next year.

The $900,000 trial involves installing sensors in the pavement, as well as cameras that are linked to an app.

The app will then let users know where to find available parking spaces, out of the 358 being monitored along The Corso, Linkfield Drive and Little Burke St.

At a meeting in May, councillors called for expressions of interest for a smart-parking system in the CBD.

Part of that system was to limit all-day parking around the CBD, however, this latest trial will not enforce any time limits, according a council spokesman.

Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation Angus Taylor said the project would reduce congestion and make car parking more accessible and more convenient.

“Congestion in centres like this is caused by people driving around looking for a park,” Mr Taylor said.

“The app can have their phones tell them where to go to get a park.”

The project, initially thought to cost about $400,000, will be funded equally by the Federal Government and Moreton Bay Regional Council.

Division 4 councillor Julie Greer said the council would call for tenders to deliver the design, installation and operation of the system and work closely with local businesses, North Lakes State College and the community to evaluate its effectiveness.

The RACQ said it supported innovative ways for motorists to have a more efficient driving experience.

“Driving around looking for a park can create added congestion so we’d expect an app like this would benefit motorists,” a spokeswoman said.