Bayside Council has invested in smart technology to help curb anti-social behaviour in the suburbs surrounding Botany Bay as it focuses on improving public safety along the foreshore.
This technology has been recognised as ‘world first’ and Bayside Council is at the forefront for using technology to combat anti-social behaviour.
Council’s recent trial of sophisticated high-tech cameras incorporating licence plate recognition technology has now been expanded to include Bay Street and the surrounding area.
“Recent trials were a success and Council believes this technology can help combat hooning and bring the culprits destroying the reputation of Bayside to account,” Bayside Mayor Dr Christina Curry said.
Council began trialling Licence Plate Recognition software by installing sophisticated high-tech cameras on a vehicle to issue parking infringements.
Council staff, seeing the potential of the technology, worked with suppliers and the police to implement a smart system to capture anti-social behaviour on our streets.
The first static cameras with the ability to read and record the licence plate of a vehicle, capture illegal activity and anti-social behaviour were installed in Vanston Parade and Ida Street. Residents have reported a decrease in anti-social behaviour from hoons since their installation.
“In collaboration with the Local Police we have extended the trial of this world first technology to Bay Street and surrounds with improved coverage of hotspots,” Bayside Mayor Dr Christina Curry said.
The technology being installed in Brighton-Le-Sands is capable of monitoring anti-social behaviour / hooning and even catch anyone defacing local businesses with graffiti. The cameras have been dubbed ‘hoon cams’ for their ability to help bring hoons to account.
Council is working with its suppliers to look at further possible use of this technology including monitoring jet skis coming too close to swimmers in the bay.
The new technology has also been given the tick of approval by the Parking Officers and Council has seen a significant reduction in the number of incident reports and complaints from the community.
