Relief promised as hi-tech parking scheme finally launches in North Lakes CBD

It has been a long time coming but drivers looking for a spot in a locality known as a parking nightmare can finally check for spaces on their devices. This is how it works.

Angus Taylor, Cr Julie Greer and Luke Howarth discuss parking in The Corso at North Lakes in 2017. Photo: Alan Quinney

SMART parking is live in North Lakes.

The long-awaited North Lakes Smart Parking App was launched today enabling commuters real-time interaction with available parking spaces.

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Initiated by Moreton Bay Regional Council (MBRC) in 2017 the scheme functions with 350 in-ground sensors installed in on-street parking bays.

Residents can now download a free app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

Equally funded by MBRC and the federal government’s Smart Cities and Suburbs Program, the $900,000 project was welcomed by local leaders.

“Parking can be elusive in North Lakes with the growing number of businesses and services being provided, particularly medical services,” said Mango Hill Progress Association president Laurence Christie.

Moreton Bay Regional Council has been keeping commuters up to date on its smart parking scheme launched in North Lakes today. Picture: Marcel Baum

“Therefore anything that can make parking simpler and more certain for road users is a good thing in the community depending on any future costs that may be imposed.”

Federal Liberal member for Petrie Luke Howarth reported positive feedback on the scheme.

“Locals have already told me that the smart parking is going to make life easier and more efficient for them, especially families and older people who need to find a park close to the North Lakes medical centre and for locals who work at Westfield,” Mr Howarth said.

MBRC councillor Julie Greer said the hi-tech solution would come as welcome relief for what can be hotly contested parking spaces.

“Accommodating a population of more than 20,000, we know it’s important that we effectively manage parking within the CBD area,” Cr Greer said.

“We are continuing to work to make the Moreton Bay region the easiest place to work, live and play in southeast Queensland.”

$1 for 28 days: Full digital subscription

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.