New technology takes a closer look at parking in Waipā

New technology to build a clearer picture of how parking spaces are being used across the district is being trialled by Waipā District Council.

The three-month trial of Aero Ranger will run from mid-September to November in selected parking areas across the Cambridge and Te Awamutu town centres, as well as commercial areas in Waipā villages.

The trial does not introduce parking charges or change existing parking rules or time limits. The technology is being trialled to collect information about parking use and will not be used for enforcement during the trial.

Transportation manager Bryan Hudson said the aim of the trial is to help Council make better decisions about parking and transport, based on real information rather than guesswork.

“We want to understand how useful this technology can be in helping us build a clearer picture of parking demand, how often spaces turn over and where demand is highest.”

“This trial is about gathering information and testing the technology. It will help us understand what tools could support future parking planning and management.”

Aero Ranger uses a vehicle-mounted camera system and licence plate recognition technology to collect information.

Information collected through the trial will be managed in line with New Zealand privacy requirements and Council’s information management and security processes.

Following the trial, Council will assess the results and consider how the technology could be used to support future parking management and enforcement. Any future changes would be subject to the relevant Council decision-making and consultation processes.

Similar technology is already being used by other councils across New Zealand and Australia.