Online Reporter
Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
City Parking has been forced to initiate a review of its Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system following a wave of public complaints from motorists alleging they are being unfairly ticketed within seconds of stopping, sometimes even at traffic lights or while obstructed.
The controversy centres on the deployment of camera-equipped vehicles that patrol Harare’s central business district, electronically issuing parking violation notices.
In a statement today, City Parking acknowledged the public concern, pledging to review the system.
“We have noted with concern some social media posts and comments on our Automatic Number Plate Recognition vehicle (ANPR),” reads part of the statement.
“Investigations and verifications are underway to ascertain that the system remains efficient and effective.”
“This probe will examine whether the system is incorrectly identifying briefly stationary vehicles as having illegally parked.”
City Parking also urged all affected customers to formally submit their grievances.
“May those with queries submit them to our customer service team via our various touch points for assistance and clarification.”
This comes after motorists had taken to social media to share exasperating accounts of receiving ‘arrears’ notifications before they have secured a parking spot or while waiting to park.
“Today (Tuesday) I got a parking ticket from a City Parking vehicle with a camera while I had stopped at a traffic light,” said a motorist who posted anonymously.
“The City Parking vehicle crossed the intersection as I waited to move. When we later parked, the marshal told us we already had a ticket from two minutes earlier
Another motorist, Tariro Muzah, said: “Finally, someone has said something! The worst part is they won’t even tell you the street where your car was parked illegally in the first place. You are just told you owe parking fees.”
Another motorist, Adele Matenga, lamented being ticketed after another vehicle had obstructed her.
“They did that to me too. Someone was blocking my way close to Eastgate along Robert Mugabe, only for me to be told an hour later at Construction House that I owe them money. It is really not fair.”
While the use of artificial intelligence is being hailed in traffic management, motorists are calling for a thorough review.
Some also fear that cameras on traffic lights could record them as violating traffic laws when, at times, the traffic lights themselves would be malfunctioning.
