Drivers who push their luck with timed parking in Wollongong's city centre are set for a rude awakening, as the council prepares to roll out high-tech surveillance vehicles to monitor bays.
High-Tech Trial to Target High-Demand Zones
Starting in February 2026, Wollongong City Council will begin a one-year trial using two specially equipped cars to patrol timed parking areas. The vehicles will be fitted with window-mounted smartphones and tablets that automatically capture licence plate data, eliminating the need for parking officers to manually chalk tyres.
The trial zone will cover all timed parking spaces in Wollongong, Keiraville, Gwynneville, and parts of Fairy Meadow and North Wollongong. This includes high-traffic locations such as the Blue Mile precinct, CBD car parks, and streets surrounding the University of Wollongong (UOW). For areas outside this zone, traditional chalk methods will continue.
Addressing a Major Source of Frustration
Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown said the move directly addresses community complaints about motorists overstaying in busy areas, particularly during peak periods like holidays. She emphasised that with approximately 7700 parking spaces in the CBD, ensuring a regular turnover is crucial for local businesses and visitors.
"Convenient, time-restricted parking near retail areas supports high turnover, helping shoppers park, shop and free up space for the next person," Cr Brown stated. She described overstaying as a "source of frustration" for residents and business owners, which the new technology aims to mitigate.
Technology Adopted Widely Across NSW
The automated parking management system is not new to the state, with more than 20 NSW councils already using similar technology, including the City of Sydney, Sutherland Shire, and Bayside councils. The Wollongong trial will use face-blurring technology and is designed to capture only vehicle licence plate numbers, not personal identifiers.
The council asserts the system will allow its officers to cover a wider area more efficiently and safely. While the trial will gather data on parking behaviour, it will not change any currently signposted time limits for parking bays.
Infringement notices issued via the electronic system will, where possible, still be delivered as paper copies placed on vehicles. If that's not feasible at the time, fines will be sent by post.
