An Aussie council has withdrawn hundreds of fines issued through its AI-assisted camera program after motorists challenged the penalties, prompting calls for a review of the system.
The City of Adelaide has cancelled 25 per cent of reviewed fines issued through its Park Safe program since June 2024, according to The Adelaide Advertiser.
As part of the program, the vehicles are equipped with AI-assisted cameras that detect the number plates and track potential overstay or illegal parking infractions.
The program has issued almost 500,000 notices since June 2021, generating more than $44 million in revenue. The figures include fines issued by council parking rangers as well as Park Safe vehicles.
Deputy Lord Mayor Carmel Noon has called for a “quality assurance” review of the program amid ongoing demands for an operational update.
A council spokesperson said the system helped manage parking and improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users.
“Effective parking management supports safer streets, improves access and parking spaces for visitors to the city, and helps maintain a safer environment for pedestrians, cyclists and other road users,” the spokesperson told The Adelaide Advertiser.
The council said motorists could request a review if they believed there were circumstances that should be considered.
“Council has a well-established review process that allows motorists to seek a reassessment of an expiation where they believe relevant circumstances should be considered.
“Human oversight remains a fundamental component of the process and one staff member will review the expiation, followed by a second staff member to confirm and issue it. We are always looking to improve our team’s accuracy both on-foot and via Park Safe.”
Fines can be withdrawn for various reasons, including when drivers stop to check parking signs or experience a medical episode.
Despite the high number of cancelled fines, the Park Safe system is being expanded to other council areas across the state.
Image: Adelaide City Council
