Harare to review its AI-driven parking ticketing system

City Parking has announced a review of its Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system after widespread public complaints that motorists are being unfairly ticketed within seconds of stopping - in some cases even while waiting at traffic lights or being obstructed by other vehicles.

The outcry follows the deployment of City Parking's camera-equipped patrol vehicles, which automatically detect and issue electronic parking violation notices across Harare's central business district.

In a statement released today, City Parking acknowledged mounting public frustration and said it had initiated an internal probe into the system's operations.

"We have noted with concern some social media posts and comments on our Automatic Number Plate Recognition vehicle (ANPR)," the statement reads.

"Investigations and verifications are underway to ascertain that the system remains efficient and effective."

The company said the investigation would assess whether the ANPR technology is mistakenly identifying briefly stationary vehicles as illegally parked.

City Parking urged affected motorists to formally raise their grievances for redress.

"May those with queries submit them to our customer service team via our various touch points for assistance and clarification," the company added.

The announcement follows a surge of complaints on social media from motorists who claim they have been charged before even securing a parking space.

One motorist wrote anonymously:

"Today (Tuesday) I got a parking ticket from a City Parking vehicle with a camera while I had stopped at a traffic light. The City Parking vehicle crossed the intersection as I waited to move. When we later parked, the marshal told us we already had a ticket from two minutes earlier."

Another motorist, Tariro Muzah, said the lack of transparency was frustrating.

"The worst part is they won't even tell you the street where your car was parked illegally in the first place. You are just told you owe parking fees."

Similarly, Adele Matenga recounted being fined while blocked by another car.

"Someone was blocking my way close to Eastgate along Robert Mugabe, only for me to be told an hour later at Construction House that I owe them money. It is really not fair."

While the integration of artificial intelligence in parking and traffic management has been praised for improving efficiency and reducing human error, many motorists are calling for stronger safeguards and more accurate enforcement mechanisms.

Some also fear that cameras near intersections could mistakenly record vehicles as violating parking or traffic laws, particularly when traffic lights are malfunctioning - a common occurrence in the city centre.

The outcome of City Parking's review is expected to determine whether system adjustments or policy changes will be implemented to restore public confidence in the ANPR technology.