Smart parking app cops pummeling by fine-wary drivers in North Lakes

A long-awaited hi-tech solution to parking woes in a southeast Queensland CBD has come under fire for risks posed to safety and hip pocket.

Federal Member for Petrie Luke Howarth and Moreton Bay Regional Councillor Peter Flannery launch smart parking in North Lakes. Picture: AAP Image/Richard Walker

EXPERTS have warned drivers not to touch their mobile phones when using a newly launched parking app which received a less than enthusiastic reception by commuters.

Moreton Bay Regional Council (MBRC)’s North Lakes Smart Parking App went live this week and was roundly criticised online.

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Amy Carlson said: “Queensland Police Service will be looking forward to some easy fines of $1k for any fool that uses the app while driving. I wonder if the defence will be ‘the council told me to do it’.”

Mark Waterhouse said: “No offence, but introducing this to look up on your phones at the same time as increasing the fines for using phones in the car seems counter-productive.”

And Damien Wool said: “Now the police can patrol the area and make $1000 real easy as people use their phones.”

Smart Parking has recently launched in North Lakes. Picture: AAP Image/Richard Walker

Jointly funded by the Federal Government and council, the app corresponds with 350 in-ground censors placed throughout the oft-congested North Lakes CBD and allows users to interact live with parking spaces.

RACQ spokeswoman Lauren Ritchie said the app was likely one of the first launched since mobile phone laws in Queensland were strengthened and would require extra vigilance by drivers, who now face a $1000 fine and four demerit point penalty should they touch their phone while driving.

“Using a mobile phone behind the wheel is extremely dangerous and you’re actually four times more likely to have a crash when using your phone while driving,” Ms Ritchie said.

“There are three different types of distraction – cognitive, physical and visual – and using a phone encompasses all of these.

Hotly contested parking spaces in North Lakes. Picture: AAP Image/Richard Walker

“Your mind is off the task, your hands are off the wheel and your eyes are off the road.

“We know finding a park can be difficult, but it’s crucial that motorists aren’t putting themselves at risk by using their mobile phones.

“Drivers wanting to use a parking app need to either set it up before they start driving and place the phone in a cradle, or if they have a passenger, ask them to use the app and direct them to the available parking space.”

But MBRC said the app was developed with this in mind.

“The app has been designed not to be touched while driving,” a MBRC spokesman said.

“Council has also installed eight directional signs around the North Lakes CBD to direct drivers to available car spaces, using the same real time data that informs the smartphone app.”

A smart parking sensor installed in North Lakes. Picture: AAP Image/Richard Walker

North Lakes shopper Nathan Head had seen his share of “amazing things surrounding mobile phones” on the road and feared the app would encourage illegal behaviour.

“The council should definitely be checking themselves as to safety by the law of the land,” Mr Head said.

“If you check (the app) before you leave, the parking space will be gone by the time you get there.

“And if you park to check for one well … you’re already parked and have no need of the app.

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“So the only way to use the app is while driving causing driver distraction and racing through traffic to get to said spot.

“Perhaps a better option would be just to use your patience as has diligently served many drivers over the course of history.

“Or better yet council (could) address the need for parking infrastructure before approving developments.”