Undercover big brother cameras used to fine parkers nearly $80,000

COVERT security cameras have issued more than $78,000 in fines to unsuspecting residents — but not for what they were designed for.

General, generic photo of Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras operated by the Cairns Regional Council. PICTURE: BRENDAN RADKE

SOUTHSIDE residents have accused Brisbane City Council of revenue raising, after more than $78,000 in fines were issued for offences captured on covert ­security cameras.

Council installed cameras on Bowhill Rd, Willawong, in July 2015 to capture people illegally dumping.

But the cameras were also used to issue 134 $589 fines to people parked on the poorly marked roadside. Only one sign on the road mentions parking, which among 11 other activities, is banned.

Councillor Steve Griffiths (Moorooka) said the area’s parking signs were “quite deceptive”.

“It’s a cash cow for council and council don’t seem serious about preventing the problem, they just seem to use this as a way for making money,” Cr Griffiths said.

Since the cameras were removed in November, ­illegal dumping has continued with a burnt car, ­mattresses and rubbish seen in the area on Saturday.

illegally dumped rubbish seen near Bowhill Rd, Willawong, on February 6. Picture: JOHN GASS

Acacia Ridge resident Troy Bredhauer received a fine in the mail for parking in the area in September.

“There was a gate there some years ago that was removed … why remove a gate, improve the road and then fine someone for doing what it looks like to me they have encouraged?” he said.

Acacia Ridge resident Troy Fahey, who also received a fine, said there was no clear signs to show where to park.

A Brisbane City Council spokeswoman said council had 70 portable surveillance cameras monitoring illegal dumping hot spots.

“Illegal dumping costs council close to $800,000 each year,” she said.

Illegally dumped rubbish dumped rubbish at near Bowhill Rd, Willawong, on February 6. Picture: JOHN GASS

A Brisbane City Council spokeswoman said 143 infringement notices were issued between July 2015 and February 2016 as a direct result of the security cameras at 24 Bowhill Rd, Willawong. Cr Griffiths said 134 fines were issued for the offence stated as “enter, use or remain on council land in contravention of a restriction condition”. Each fine was for $589. Cr Griffiths said 10 people were fined for illegal dumping along Oxley Creek, Willawong — one $2356 fine, three $1821 fines, and six $1884 fines. The amount was dependent on the type and quantity of dumping.