ALBURY’S parking inspectors could be fitted with body cameras to catch people who are a danger to them.
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Mayor Kevin Mack said the council was undertaking a service and efficiency review of its compliance team and new and emerging technology was being investigated as part of that process.
Cr Mack’s comments came after Banyule Council announced its parking inspectors and crossing supervisors would be fitted with the cameras during a 12-month trial.
The cameras will record drive-throughs at crossings and people verbally or physically abusing council staff.
“It’s certainly something we would consider,” Cr Mack said.
“If it protects our employees, we need to look at it.”
Cr Mack said he was aware of incidents where parking inspectors had been abused in the city.
“Whenever you’re enforcing the law and people aren’t happy, they react,” Cr Mack said.
“Employee safety is paramount and we will be watching the trial.
“It’s not something you would say no to.”
Deputy mayor Ross Jackson and councillor Darren Cameron also backed the idea of a trial.
“It’s an interesting proposition but I don’t believe in change just for the sake of change,” Cr Jackson said.
“If the stats reflect we need to take action then I am more than happy to support it, but let’s get the facts first.”
It will be the decision of Roads and Maritime Services as to whether crossing supervisors will wear cameras but a spokesman said there were no plans in place in NSW.
“Roads and Maritime Services ensures the state’s school crossing supervisors are provided with training and support to deal with potential abuse and encouraged to report all incidents,” the spokesman said.
Wodonga Council has no similar plans.
“Roads and Maritime Services urges motorists and the community to recognise the important job the state’s school crossing supervisors have in keeping children safe as they travel to and from school in all weather conditions, the spokesman said.”
Wodonga Council said the trial was not on its radar but parents hoped the council would consider fitting crossing supervisors with the technology.
Jo Romeike has a daughter in prep at Victory Lutheran College and she said she was nervous about her using the school crossing while she was so young.
“I think I would be less nervous with the cameras ,” she said.
Parent Alexandra McKoy believed the cameras would boost safety in school zones.
“It makes people more aware of what they are doing because people do ignore the school zone.”
