Penang suspends parking enforcement system

The Penang state government has ordered the immediate suspension of the automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) system used for issuing parking compounds. According to chief minister Chow Kon Yeow, the decision was made after the state government took into account public feedback and views regarding the implementation of the system.

The state government will instruct both local authorities, Penang island city council (MBPP) and Seberang Perai city council (MBSP) to immediately suspend the implementation of ANPR and review its details, Chow Kon Yeow said in a post on Facebook.

Chow Kon Yeow said that the matter was discussed during a meeting with Penang DAP chairman Steven Sim and deputy chairman Zairil Khir Johari. He added that what is important is that the government listens to the people’s voices and review what is necessary to ensure that every policy implemented truly takes into account the interests of the people of Penang.

Since the use of the ANPR system was implemented by MBPP in April last year, an average of about 7,000 parking offence compounds had been issued every month, according to MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran. They found the system to be efficient.

The vehicles fitted with the ANPR system had enabled MBPP to detect parking offences more accurately compared with manual inspection methods, showing that the technology had helped improve the efficiency of parking enforcement.

The ANPR system cross-checks number plates with the road transport department (JPJ) database. If a vehicle is found to be parked illegally or without payment, a compound fine notice is issued on the spot, with the owner’s details pulled directly from JPJ records.

Council tests showed that a one-minute grace period was sufficient for motorists to open the Penang Smart Parking app and complete payment, adding that motorists were required to pay as soon as their vehicles were parked in designated bays, even if they remained inside with the engine running.

Penang residents were worried about the strict enforcement of parking rules. The state government’s decision to suspend the ANPR system will give them a chance to review and adjust the system to better suit their needs.

For now, the suspension of the ANPR system will have a significant impact on the way parking is managed in Penang.

It will be interesting to see how the state government decides to move forward with the system in the future.

They must consider the public’s concerns.