Pedestrian Council chairman Harold Scruby called “un-Australian” after Mosman resident spots him using Council “dobbing” app

HAROLD Scruby says he was protecting public safety by sending images of parking infringements to Mosman council via the Snap Send Solve app.

Pedestrian Council of Australia chairman Harold Scruby. Picture: Craig Wilson

A MOSMAN resident believes the use of an app to report parking offences to council is “un-Australian”, but the Pedestrian Council of Australia says it’s about saving lives.

Alan Phillips encountered Pedestrian Council chairman Harold Scruby taking photos of parked cars in Mosman last week.

“Mr Scruby was taking dozens of photographs of all manner of appalling vehicular infractions such as parking within 10 metres of an intersection, parking in a driveway and parking too far out from the kerb,” he said, with tongue-in-cheek.

“Mr Scruby proudly demonstrated the use of a phone app by which evidential pictures of these egregious offences could be beamed directly into the grateful hands of council’s rangers.”

Mr Phillips applauded Mr Scruby’s “tireless dedication to the pursuit of public good” — which he said resulted in a blizzard of tickets — but argued “mass dobbing” was a bit off-colour.

“I think the industrialisation of the process is something that is a bit un-Australian,” he said.

The Snap Send Solve app can be used to report problems to relevant authorities.

Mr Scruby said the parking offences he reported were public safety offences according to a 2008 NSW Department of Local Government report.

“I was not dobbing anyone; I was using Snap Send Solve,” he said. “I was just showing council this is what’s happening. I did not ask them to book anybody.”

Mr Scruby accused Mosman Council of being obsessed with revenue-raising parking meters and ignoring offences where there was potential for harm.

Council’s environment and planning director Craig Covich said in this case council took appropriate action against illegally-parked vehicles in Wyong Rd.

“The Pedestrian Council of Australia does not always have the full information or understanding of compliance-related matters and should focus on things it does best such as the successful walk to work campaign,” Mr Covich said.

SNAP SEND SOLVE

The free Australian app for mobile devices launched about 2010 and allows users to send photos of problems to relevant authorities, from local councils to water authorities. Examples of incidents include a dangerous pothole or broken playground equipment.