Concerning reality of parking systems being rolled out across Australia: ‘Complete disadvantage’
Like other major cities, Perth has been rolling out the new tech in place in traditional parking metres. But the method has major issues, an expert has warned.
Cashless parking systems are being rolled out across Australia with councils in major cities rapidly adopting tech-forward payment methods. Rather than tapping your card or using cash to pay for street parking, in many areas, drivers are required to pay via an app on their phones. And so far it's proven divisive.
Sydney residents have already expressed their concern for cyber safety after a "confusing" and "invasive" app — PayStay — was introduced across northern suburbs in recent months. Now, Perth has jumped on board using another called EasyPark "in most areas".
And while some say they're "loving it" others aren't so sure, including cybersecurity expert Matthew Warren who told Yahoo News Australia they're often "problematic".
Residents given 'no choice' but to use apps for parking
The biggest issue with these parking apps is that residents "don't have a choice" but to use them Professor Warren from RMIT told Yahoo News. They can't pay cash, and in many cases can't tap their card on the spot, with the only other option being not to park, or be fined.
"It puts us, people and members of communities, at a complete disadvantage because you've got no choice but to download the app, provide your information, and just hope that there isn't a problem," he said.
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In Melbourne, where he's based, councils have introduced similar systems "and it brought in a whole range of problems and issues", especially for those who might not have a mobile phone handy when parking.
"But I think the main concern is the trust in the provider because part of the problem is that organisations are becoming victims of cyber crimes," Warren said. When councils are picking providers for these systems, we'd hope they're "taking cyber security as part of the consideration and not just going for the cheapest option," he added.
Aussies divided over payment apps for parking
One Perth resident shared their thoughts on social media this week claiming it's EasyPark is "easy to use and you only pay for the amount you park". However some expressed concerns over privacy since the apps, like those used in Sydney and Melbourne, require personal information from users, including name, address and phone number.
"This is not a good app to be using, they recently had a data breach. Stay clear of this app," one warned. "Countdown for when your personal and credit card details will be leaked," feared another.
And their fears are valid since EasyPark, a Dutch company, was subject to a data breach in December, with those in Europe affected. However, the City of Perth insists Australian and New Zealand users were not compromised. "The cyber-attack did result in the unauthorised access of certain non-sensitive information from customers in Europe," they said.
Councils 'don't care' about residents' concerns
Speaking of the data breach, Warren said that while Australian users weren't impacted, it's something to be aware of considering "identifiable information" including user's names, phone numbers, addresses and emails, were all accessed.
But he feels "councils don't care" despite extensive backlash from residents across the country who've deemed the new systems a "total nightmare". In most cases, the apps incur an extra surcharge too. Others have complained of the time it takes to set up.
"I think what councils are concerned about is generating revenue, and if this is a way for them to optimise their revenue generation, that's what they're focused on," Warren told Yahoo.
"If anything, I think they would opt more and more into these systems because, again, they're transferring it to a third party, so it's reducing their cost. They're then generating higher income streams, and they can police it as well by fining people if they have done the wrong thing."
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