BIG BROTHER styled surveillance camera's are being installed in Melbourne's western suburb's. This is a revenue opportunity and will cost jobs when other Councils adopt the practice.
Because every Council is a corporation, they are bound by the Corporations Act, and therefore operate at a profit.
This comes before their duty to serve the public.
The question is, where can you go and not be subjected to some type of surveillance device?
Australia is entering a worrying time.
Parking camera swoop
- From: Herald Sun
- Sun Oct 11 20:59:33 EST 2009
The cameras snap motorists after 90 seconds for stopping in no-standing, loading and bus zones, with fines of up to $138 issued to drivers.
They have been installed in central Footscray, where high levels of illegal and unsafe parking have been recorded.
Maribyrnong City Council expects one camera, at the corner of Paisley and Leeds streets, to detect 13,000 offences a year, potentially worth almost $2 million.
Maribyrnong Mayor Michael Clarke said the focus was on safety, not raising revenue.
"We have a responsibility to protect our community as best we can," he said.
"Drivers who misuse loading zones and bus zones create havoc on our roads, often forcing buses and delivery vans to double park and create a very dangerous environment for our community."
The installation of the parking cameras followed a six-month trial at the corner of Paisley and Leeds streets, where the council claimed to have witnessed a 70 per cent increase in compliance.
"The 70 per cent increase means that while we previously saw more than 200 parking offences daily, we are now seeing as few as 40," Cr Clarke said.
"It's a staggering result. Our community has really pulled up their socks."
But local business owners fear the cameras will drive away potential customers.
Footscray Traders Association president Lidia Cammarano said the cameras would make it harder for the suburb's businesses to grow.
"At the end of the day, it's just about revenue. The council wants to make as much money as they can," Ms Cammarano said.
Cameras have been installed on Barkly/Hopkins St, Leeds St and on Nicholson St between Irving and Paisley streets.
More cameras are expected to be installed over the next two years.
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