Blue Mountains News

The camera monitoring technology will observe and detect parking infringements such as parking within mobility bays without mobility permits, vehicles unsafely parking within ‘No Stopping’ zones to drop-off or pick-up passengers and overstaying signposted parking times. If, on assessment, the infringement is deemed enforceable a fine will be issued.

The technology detects all vehicles, including visitor bus and coach services.

The technology is being trialled to explore improvements for developing safer and more consistent traffic and parking compliance systems at major visitor centres such as Echo Point.

Part of an initiative to develop a citywide approach to managing paid parking, the trial is set to begin in late December 2024, before the Christmas break, and will be in operation for about six months.

During the trial, compliance cameras will operate from multiple points at the Echo Point roundabout and the parking area at Lilianfels Park.

The cameras will not record or retain a vehicle’s information unless an infringement occurs. The camera does not record running footage. Instead, it only captures the vehicle with automated deletion schedules to remove information regarding non-enforceable actions.

Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill said: “Visitation plays an important role in the Blue Mountains, and it is vital that we develop solutions to ensure compliance with our parking and traffic regulations.

“It is hoped this technology will also help move buses throughout the city to combat increased congestion, pollution and help improve safety in our town centres.

“By taking a proactive approach, we can support a sustainable industry that preserves our natural and cultural assets and creates positive social impact for our city.”

The paid parking compliance is part of Council’s Citywide Visitor Bus Management Plan, which Council is creating with input from key industry operators and stakeholders.

The Citywide Visitor Bus Management Plan will identify options for managing the impacts of visitor buses across the city.

The draft plan will be placed on public exhibition in 2025, and the community will be invited to provide comment.

Learn more about these projects at here