Council Introduces Camera Technology to Monitor Parking in Te Puke

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is introducing vehicle-mounted Licence Plate Recognition (LPR) camera technology to monitor and enforce parking restrictions in Te Puke. The decision was approved as part of the council's 2025-2026 Annual Plan, following a successful trial last year that tested the system's effectiveness.

WBOP District Council's regulatory services general manager Alison Curtis cited staff safety as a key reason for the change. "LPR cameras allow officers to primarily do their job from a vehicle, which reduces the personal safety risks they face on the street." The system uses high-resolution cameras to monitor parking behaviour in relation to the council's Traffic and Parking Bylaw and Waka Kotahi transport requirements.

The initiative is expected to improve parking behaviour and increase turnover in available town centre parking spaces. A start date has not been confirmed as the council is still finalising a service provider. EPIC Te Puke board members have expressed support for the measure, with retailers reporting lost income due to all-day parking in town centre carparks.

Originally published in Te Puke News by Sun Media.