Motorists in Fortitude Valley and the rest of Brisbane will soon see changes to how they pay for parking.
The city council is moving to bring in new app providers after a dispute with the current sole operator raised serious concerns about the safety of personal information.
The Brisbane City Council has decided to open the pay-by-app parking market to competition following a period of frustration and public anxiety related to the existing system. The decision comes after a public disagreement between CellOPark Australia and the Israeli company that developed the original software, which resulted in users receiving confusing messages about potential data migration.
The council has expressed disappointment at the internal conflict that prompted them to act. The current system has also drawn complaints from users regarding overcharging and incorrect fees.
The Trigger: Data Security Concerns
The trouble began when users received text messages informing them that their accounts would be transferred from CellOPark to a new platform called OPark. Following this, a second, unauthorised message was sent, confusing users and raising questions about the safety of personal data. CellOPark Australia later clarified that the second message was sent as part of a commercial dispute and that they had not authorised it.
The company promised to inform the Information Commissioner as a precaution. The council then stated it would look into alternative options to provide better parking payment solutions.
Council’s Plan: More Choice and Modernisation
The council plans to call for tenders from new pay-by-app parking providers later this year. The aim is to deliver improved technology and offer motorists more flexibility. The council has highlighted that the demand for digital payment options is growing, with approximately 50 percent of on-street parking transactions now made through the mobile app.
The popularity of app-based payments has resulted in a decline in credit card payments at parking meters, which have dropped by 18 percent in the past five years. The ongoing maintenance of parking meters costs the council approximately $1.7 million annually.
Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner said Brisbane, one of Australia’s fastest-growing capital cities, needed a modern and convenient parking system. He stated that the council intends to find providers with the best technology to make paying for parking easier.
The council also emphasised that app payments provide the benefit of only paying for the exact time parked, which helps reduce residents’ costs. Brisbane has over 8,350 paid on-street parking spaces, with about 4.5 million on-street parking transactions made annually. Currently, 1,300 parking spots are designated as pay-by-app only.
Transition and Future Implementation
CellOPark Australia will continue to provide paid parking services until the procurement process is complete. The council anticipates that contracts with new providers will be finalised in the 2025/26 financial year.
Published Date 27-Feb-2025
