Parking officers targeted in new app

A new iPhone app allows drivers to steer clear of traffic officers by notifying them when they are within striking distance of a parking inspector.

The ParkPatrol app, developed by Crwdpower, works by having users report different locations of traffic officers. It sends text messages to drivers when a traffic officer comes within 200 metres of their car.

A spokeswoman for the Local Government and Shires Associations of NSW told The Age that the use of apps like ParkPatrol is “essentially unavoidable”.

“Councils issue parking fines to manage traffic, ensure local roads remain safe and encourage a greater level of parking space turnover in areas of high demand,” the spokeswoman said.
“The reality is that if people park their cars legally and adhere to rules set on local streets, there would be no need for applications like this.”