Confusing parking app emails leave drivers going round in circles

Drivers have been caught up in an apparent internal stoush within the company that runs CellOPark, an app that allows people to pay for parking with their smartphones.

On Wednesday evening, an email to app users said their accounts would be transitioned to a “new and improved platform, OPark, which includes many new features and benefits”.

The initial email sent to CellOPark account holders advised them about a transition of their service.Credit: Brisbane Times

Universities around Australia, including UNSW and Monash, have CellOPark meters on campus.

In Queensland, the Brisbane City Council also has a contract with CellOPark.

The email sent from CellOPark Australia gave instructions on how to download and log into OPark.

Brisbane users were told parking locations throughout the city would switch over to the new app the following Wednesday, December 25.

“Your CellOPark account has been automatically migrated to OPark, so there’s no need to re-register,” the email said.

A follow-up email from CellOPark, telling users to ignore the previous message.Credit: Brisbane Times

Within 24 hours, drivers were emailed again and told to ignore the previous message, which had been “sent by the local representative in breach of his obligations towards CelloPark”.

CellOPark Australia is believed to be linked to an Israeli company named Cello that has a parking app.

The second email said OPark was not part of CellOPark or connected in any way, and that user accounts would not be transmitted to the OPark app.

“In addition, CellOPark will not be responsible in any way for OparkApp, and any defaults or additional payments or fines due to its usage,” it said.

“Please ignore any future messages regarding transmission of your account from CellOPark Australia.”

Several hours later, CellOPark Australia posted on Facebook, insisting the transition to OPark would go ahead and apologising for any confusion.

“It has come to our attention that an unsolicited and unauthorised email claiming that this transition has been cancelled was sent to our members,” the post said.

“We are currently investigating and dealing with the source of this email.”

A Brisbane City Council spokesperson said there had been no impact on local meters.

In an emailed statement, the person said the council was “deeply frustrated and disappointed our residents have been caught up in this matter”.

“CellOPark has advised today the plan to transition to a new app has been halted, however, council will be reviewing our future options to ensure the best outcome for ratepayers.”

Both UNSW and Monash have information on their website explaining that CellOPark is being “upgraded” to OPark, and explaining how users can download the new app.

The Australian Business Register lists “CellOPark”, “Smarter City Solutions”, and “OPARK App” under the same ABN.

CellOPark and OPark have been contacted for comment.

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