The move is part of an ongoing effort by the Brisbane City Council to modernise parking systems and reduce maintenance costs. However, critics argue the method disproportionately impacts those who lack access to smartphones or struggle with new technology. The debate over the system’s accessibility and convenience has sparked strong reactions from the local community, raising questions about the future of urban parking.
The Rise of App-Based Parking Payments
Since its introduction, app-based parking payments have become an integral part of Brisbane’s parking landscape. According to the Brisbane City Council, the system now accounts for more than half of all annual parking payments.
The rationale behind this move is multifaceted. On one hand, the council argues that app payments reduce the costs associated with maintaining and operating physical parking meters. These meters require regular servicing, repair, and management, which are costly and time-consuming. The app system, by contrast, is cheaper to maintain and allows for more flexible pricing based on actual parking time.
A council spokesperson explained that the app system allows drivers to pay only for the exact amount of time they’ve parked, avoiding the issue of overpaying or underpaying at meters. The spokesperson also noted that credit card payments at meters have dropped by 18 per cent over the past five years, reflecting the growing preference for digital transactions.
For those familiar with the technology, the app system offers a more streamlined and efficient way of paying for parking, particularly in busy urban areas where time constraints are a constant concern. It also allows for the potential to extend parking remotely, without the need to return to the vehicle, a convenience for many users.
Backlash from Motorists Without Smartphones
While the app-based payment method has its advocates, it has also attracted significant criticism, especially from those who lack access to smartphones or are uncomfortable with new technology. One driver, who shared their experience on social media, described the system as “absurd,” highlighting the difficulty of navigating an unfamiliar app just to pay for parking. The driver also argued that the system effectively prevents people without smartphones from using public parking spaces legally.
Other users voiced similar concerns, calling for the reinstatement of traditional parking meters to ensure accessibility for all drivers. “It literally makes anyone without a smart phone unable to legally park,” one commenter wrote, emphasising the exclusionary nature of the app-based system. This sentiment was echoed by others who felt the system prioritised tech-savvy individuals over those who may not have the financial means or inclination to keep up with such innovations.
Brisbane’s move to app-based parking payments has raised questions about the inclusivity of modern urban infrastructure. As digital solutions become more widespread, it is clear that not everyone benefits equally from these technological advances.
The debate surrounding the app-based payment system is likely to continue, particularly as other cities look to follow Brisbane’s example. As councils grapple with the tension between technological innovation and accessibility, it remains to be seen how they will address the needs of all residents, regardless of their access to modern devices.
